In medieval and Renaissance Europe, where life expectancy was less than 40 years and the Church taught that after dying the soul faced a terrifying and uncertain onward journey, death was a major cultural preoccupation.
This fascinating book sets out beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in a mainly Catholic Europe, and explores how they shaped attitudes to the visual arts. It reveals how people of every background commissioned devotional works and wore protective jewellery, built tombs and went on pilgrmages - 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.
