Last night I heard a wonderful lecture by Paul Koudounaris PhD. author of Empire of Death and his new book Heavenly Bodies, Spectacular Jeweled Skeletons. Who knew these wonderful masterpieces existed? I was first introduced to Paul’s work when I stumbled upon his first book Empire of Death last year in the book shop at the San Francisco Legion of Honor. Wow. I was stunned and when I picked up one of the most beautifully designed books with one of the most macabre of subject matters. I was also shocked that a publisher would be bold enough to publish such beautiful book when most publisher would shy away from the subject matter. The book features ossuaries and wonderful cathedrals literally covered with bones. If you’ve ever been to the catacombs in Paris you know what I’m talking about. I was so captivated that I bought it on the spot. Thank goodness for my member discount!
Without going intotoo many of the details of his new book. Paul’s lecture was entertaining, informative and put these strange, beautiful works of art into context. Paul’s new book presents the bones of “Saints” decorated from head to toe with custom made bejeweled garments, strangely painted shrouds to emulate the Saint’s face, and bones themselves decorated to the nines. Think Bedazzled, hot glue and a free ticket the Swarovski all on steroids. Now think of all that except with real gold, real pearls, real hand cut gemstones, hand made faceted glass and hair spun of real gold strands. Yes real gold hair made strand by strand. These were painstackingly crafted by expert artisan nuns taking many years to complete. These are masterpieces. Stunning masterpieces. So check out Pauls book, it is interesting and visually stunning treat!
Visitez les Catacombes de Paris by mairiedeparis
The lecture was held at The Bone Room in Albany, CA the perfect setting.