The British Museum's 'Treasure of Heaven' Exhibition.
Even those who don't have a religious bone in their body, this exhibition, now in its final weeks, definitely has something to amaze everyone. The objects of religious devotion on display showcase some seriously impressive craftsmanship in an age long before our mass produced idols of modernity. The exhibition is under the dome of the central section of the museum, the exhibits surrounded by the eery echoing of choral music that gives these objects the devotional atmosphere that they are used to.
The exquistetly crafted reliquaries, devotional images and altarpieces are often so detailed that you need to be nose-to-glass to really appreciate their full beauty. Many are intimate private objects with secret compartments, never intended to be viewed behind glass cabinets by hoards of non-believers. Each golden cross or jewel encrusted bust speaks of a rich history and tradition which has survived throughout Christianity's turbulent history to a point where it it still demands huge reverence today. This is of course despite the fact that since before Luther there has been a great distrust of the validity of most of these so called 'relics'. Whilst having to embrace the fact that I was definitely that youngest one at this exhibition by about forty years, it was and rare and enlightening opportunity to see so many exquisite objects in one place.
Even those who don't have a religious bone in their body, this exhibition, now in its final weeks, definitely has something to amaze everyone. The objects of religious devotion on display showcase some seriously impressive craftsmanship in an age long before our mass produced idols of modernity. The exhibition is under the dome of the central section of the museum, the exhibits surrounded by the eery echoing of choral music that gives these objects the devotional atmosphere that they are used to.
The exquistetly crafted reliquaries, devotional images and altarpieces are often so detailed that you need to be nose-to-glass to really appreciate their full beauty. Many are intimate private objects with secret compartments, never intended to be viewed behind glass cabinets by hoards of non-believers. Each golden cross or jewel encrusted bust speaks of a rich history and tradition which has survived throughout Christianity's turbulent history to a point where it it still demands huge reverence today. This is of course despite the fact that since before Luther there has been a great distrust of the validity of most of these so called 'relics'. Whilst having to embrace the fact that I was definitely that youngest one at this exhibition by about forty years, it was and rare and enlightening opportunity to see so many exquisite objects in one place.
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