Relics, dreams, voyages is a closely focused sequence of studies of worldwide connections in all the arts in the baroque period. Drawing on original research in libraries, collections, and archives in five countries, and in as many languages, this book draws many astonishing, unfamiliar and beautiful texts, things and events, into a cartography of the secret and strange patterns of baroque cultures worldwide. The visual arts are examined across a wide temporal and geographical span, and many subversive iconographies are decoded: at the French and English courts, in remote Scotland, in Nagasaki, in Valladolid. This books offers a new, extraordinary cultural geography of the baroque world, opening doors to many rich and strange cultural artefacts, from 'China to Peru.'

About the Author
Peter Davidson is Senior Research Fellow of Campion Hall, University of Oxford

Reviews

'Davidson is one of the most diversely learned scholars writing today. His global scholarship connects exiles and visionaries across continents, centuries, languages and religions. To read is to explore unfamiliar libraries and secret gardens. With astonishing erudition and warm sympathy, Davidson reveals submerged codes and contexts that have kept major works half hidden. Exceptionally lucid on matters of great complexity, these essays gleam among the shadows of dangerous and defiant arts.'
-Prof Alexandra Harris, author of Weatherland, The Rising Down

'A truly fascinating book. There can be few scholars in the world capable of leading us on such an extraordinary journey through Baroque art, religion and culture from Aberdeen to the Andes, taking in an Italian garden, a Slovak castle and a Japanese crucifix along the way.'
-Sir Noel Malcolm, All Souls College, Oxford

'The fine threads and variegated colors of this bright tapestry of case studies combine in considerable luxury to make a resounding case for a universal "Catholic Baroque" that encompassed centuries and crossed the ocean seas.'
-Earle Havens, Director of the Stern Center for the History of the Book, Johns Hopkins University

-- .



Book Information
ISBN 9781526195548
Author Peter Davidson
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Manchester University Press
Publisher Manchester University Press
Weight(grams) 451g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 17mm