Art

Churches up and down the United Kingdom have some remarkable collections of the most exquisitely embroidered clothing which are part of our hidden heritage. Our cathedrals hold in their treasuries some of the most beautiful textile pieces ever produced in Europe and beyond. There is a whole fascinating history to these priestly vestments and how they developed for use in our churches here in Britain and the West of Europe. This book touches on the tradition and mysticism which surrounds church vestments and the role these garments continue to play in the 'theatre' of church, how colour and ornament were and are still used as visual symbols of Christian faith. Sarah Bailey explores both historical and contemporary production of clerical vestments including some of the practicalities of design, the symbolism of colour, the sourcing of fabrics and the embroiderers themselves.

TOC: Introduction /The London Season /Origins and 'rules' /The ritual of court presentation /How to be a debutante /Parties /Famous debutantes /The last debutantes /Index

Small enough to fit in a pocket yet serious enough to provide real answers, this primer is a must-have for architecture and history buffs, tourists, and churchgoers interested in decoding the styles and symbols of religious buildings. Every building contains clues embedded in its design that identify not only its architectural style but also who designed it, what kind of congregation it was built for, and why. This practical yet charming handbook is the key to decoding the style, history, evolution, and social significance of religious buildings. Not strictly limited to churches, it also covers abbeys, chapels, and monasteries, among other structures. Organized according to architectural element (windows, domes, arches, etc.), each element is presented in chronological order. Additional chapters explore the architectural influence of geography, history, and various creeds, along with an illustrated timeline showing how, where, and in many cases why certain church features evolved through the centuries. There is also a useful introduction to naming each component of a church, from vaults to buttresses and transepts to apses. All entries are illustrated with period engravings and line drawings. This book will be invaluable for architecture buffs and anyone who has ever wondered why classic New England churches are white with little ornament, why Quaker meetinghouses have no altars, or why Episcopalians traditionally favored the Gothic style.

This lavishly illustrated guide to iconography explains through words and pictures the history, meaning, and purpose of Christian icons as well as the traditional methods that religious painters use to create these luminous, spiritually enlivened works of art.

Solrunn Nes, one of Europe's most admired iconographers, illuminates the world of Christian icons, explaining the motifs, gestures, and colors common to these profound symbols of faith. Nes explores in depth a number of famous icons, including those of the Greater Feasts, the Mother of God, and a number of the better-known saints, enriching her discussion with references to Scripture, early Christian writings, and liturgy. She also leads readers through the process and techniques of icon painting, showing each step with photographs, and includes more than fifty of her own original works of art.

Deeply inspiring and utterly unique, The Mystical Language of Icons will inform both those who are familiar with the rich tradition of religious art and those who are not. It also serves as a powerful devotional resource in its own right, one that Christians everywhere can turn to again and again.

In a fascinating evaluation of the interdependence of Orthodox iconography and liturgical worship, Quenot guides the reader through the major feasts of the Church through their iconographic representations. Each image is treated not as a distinct work of art but as an integral element of a larger whole. Includes index, glossary, 68 color and 26 b/w illustrations.