The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK, is thrilled to announce the release of a new book, Madonnas & Miracles: The Holy Home in Renaissance Italy. Edited by Maya Corry, Deborah Howard and Mary Laven, this publication offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and social life of Italian families in the 15th and 16th centuries.The Holy Home, or casa santa, was a domestic space dedicated to the veneration of the Virgin Mary and other saints. It was often located in the main room of the house, where a small altar or niche held images and objects that represented the family's personal devotion. Through essays and illustrations, Madonnas & Miracles explores the rituals, beliefs and material culture associated with the Holy Home, shedding light on a little-known aspect of Renaissance life.One of the book's co-editors, Deborah Howard, is an expert in Italian Renaissance art and architecture, specifically the role of the domestic environment in shaping religious experience. She explains: "The Holy Home was a central feature of Italian culture during the Renaissance, but it has been largely overlooked in our study of the period. Our aim with this book was to rectify that and to explore the complex intersections between art, religion and family life in Italy."The various chapters of Madonnas & Miracles cover a wide range of topics, from the symbolism of domestic décor to the role of women in creating and maintaining the Holy Home. The book draws on a range of primary sources, including inventories, diaries, and religious treatises, as well as the visual culture of the time, including paintings, prints and decorative objects.The authors also incorporate case studies of specific families and their Holy Homes, demonstrating the diverse ways in which these spaces were created and used. One such family was the Bruni of Arezzo, whose house was adorned with frescoes and sculptures by the painter and sculptor Giuseppe Niccolò Vicentino. The Bruni's casa santa was a lavish and elaborate space, reflecting both their wealth and their deep religious devotion.Another family that features prominently in the book is the Bonadies of Naples, whose Holy Home was remarkable for its extensive collection of ex-votos, or votive offerings, left by visitors seeking the intercession of the Virgin Mary. These ex-votos were often objects of everyday use, such as shoes and textiles, that were believed to have been touched by miraculous healing powers.Madonnas & Miracles is not only a valuable resource for scholars of Italian Renaissance art and culture, but also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of religion and domestic life. The book is beautifully illustrated and features contributions from leading experts in the field, making it an essential addition to any library.Dr. Tim Knox, Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum, expressed his pride in the publication, saying: "Madonnas & Miracles is a testament to the innovative research being conducted by our curators and their colleagues across the world. It is also a tribute to the past and present support of the Friends of the Fitzwilliam Museum, who have generously helped fund this important publication."The book is published by Philip Wilson Publishers and is available through their website and other major retailers. It coincides with an exhibition of the same name, currently on view at the Fitzwilliam Museum, which explores the material culture of the Holy Home through a selection of objects from the museum's collection. Whether in print or in person, Madonnas & Miracles offers a unique perspective on the intimate and profound relationship between art and faith in Renaissance Italy.
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