Title: Death and art
Description: In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, where life expectancy was under forty and the Church taught that, after dying, the soul faced a terrifying and uncertain onward journey, death in Medieval and Renaissance Europe was a major preoccupation. This fascinating book sets out the beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in a mainly Catholic Europe, and explores how these shaped attitudes to the visual arts. Townsend reveals how people of every background commissioned devotional works and wore protective jewellery; built tombs and went on pilgrimage - all to improve their soul's chances after death. Fully illustrated with images from a wide range of media including sculpture, jewellery and painting, this is a unique look at the art of death.
Subjects: Renaissance Art, Death, Themes, motives, Sepulchral monuments, Christianity, Medieval Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, Christianity and art, Death in art, History, Future life, Art, european, Religious aspects, Social aspects, Art
Places: Europe
Time periods: To 1500