DigeeBooks

This is the catalog for a major exhibition, which is the first attempt to show the developing visual cultures of the world religions in the first millennium A.D. both individually and in dialogue with each otherThe catalog tells both the stories of each individual religious culture and gives some hints as to shared themes and interconnectionsThe catalog contains a fine selection of illustrations, comparing the religions and their artReligion has always been a fundamental force for constructing identity, from antiquity to the contemporary world. The transformation of ancient cults into faith systems, which we recognize now as major world religions, took place in the first millennium AD, in the period we call 'Late Antiquity'. Our argument is that the creative impetus for both the emergence, and much of the visual distinctiveness of the world religions came in contexts of cultural encounter. Bridging the traditional divide between classical, Asian, Islamic and Western history, this exhibition and its accompanying catalog highlights religious and artistic creativity at points of contact and cultural borders between late antique civilizations. This catalog features the creation of specific visual languages that belong to five major world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. The imagery still used by these belief systems today is evidence for the development of distinct religious identities in Late Antiquity. Emblematic visual forms like the figure of Buddha and Christ, or Islamic aniconism, only evolved in dialogue with a variety of coexisting visualizations of the sacred. As late antique believers appropriated some competing models and rejected others, they created compelling and long-lived representations of faith, but also revealed their indebtedness to a multitude of contemporaneous religious ideas and images. The book will be published to coincide with a major exhibition of the same name. The exhibition will run at the Ashmolean from 19 October 2017 to 18 February 2018.Table of Contents: List of Contributors; Preface; Encounters; Religions in the Roman World; Gods in Combination; The Rise of the Image of Christ; Jewish Art; Scripture; Word as Image; Envisioning the Buddha; Amulets and Magic; Maidens and Mothers, Virgins and Lovers; Vishnu: The Enigmatic Image of a Deity; Sacred and Imperial Power; Iconoclasm; The Emergence of Islamic Art; Aniconism; Christianity in the British Isles; Sacred Space; Travelling Objects; Chronological Table; Map of the World (Britain to India) c.250 AD; Map of the World (Britain to India) c.850 AD; Index of Geographical Names; Index of Personal Names.

Journey Through the Art and Rise of World Religions

Embark on an exploration of the book "Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions" by Jas Elsner, a captivating journey through the interplay between art and the development of major world religions. This book offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the role of visual representations in shaping religious beliefs, practices, and traditions.

Visualizing the Sacred: Beyond Words and Rituals

Delve into the transformative power of visual art as a means of expressing the divine. Explore how artistic creations convey spiritual concepts and beliefs, transcending the limitations of language and rituals. Discover the rich tapestry of symbolism, iconography, and aesthetics that have shaped religious art throughout history.

Art as a Mirror of Cultural Transformation

Witness the profound impact of art on cultural and societal transformations. Learn how artistic expressions reflect the evolving beliefs, values, and aspirations of religious communities. Explore the ways in which art has influenced religious practices, rituals, and even the understanding of sacred texts.

The Divine Through Different Lenses

Gain insights into the diverse perspectives on the divine as depicted through art across different world religions. From the intricate iconography of Christianity to the vibrant mandalas of Buddhism, each artistic tradition offers a unique window into the understanding of the divine. Discover the commonalities and differences in the portrayal of the sacred across cultures.

The Art of Inspiration and Devotion

Experience the transformative power of religious art as a source of inspiration and devotion. Explore how artistic creations evoke emotional and spiritual responses, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Delve into the role of art in facilitating meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

Preserving and Reviving Traditions

Uncover the significant role of art in preserving and revitalizing religious traditions. Learn how artistic practices have been instrumental in transmitting religious beliefs and values from one generation to the next. Discover the resilience of art in times of cultural change, providing continuity and a sense of identity for religious communities.

Dive into the fascinating world of "Imagining the Divine: Art and the Rise of World Religions" by Jas Elsner, and gain a deeper understanding of the profound relationship between art and religion. Embark on this journey of exploration and discover the captivating ways in which visual representations have shaped the development of world religions.