Jesuit Art and Czech Lands, 1556-1729: Missionizing through the Arts

The Society of Jesus used art and architecture in its missionary efforts in the Lands of the Bohemian Crown from the sixteenth century to the eighteenth to promote concepts of Catholic piety and cultivate the subjects and functions of art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 428 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

This collection delves into the captivating ways in which the Society of Jesus employed art and architecture in its missionary endeavors across the Lands of the Bohemian Crown from the sixteenth century to the eighteenth. The Jesuits, driven by their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, harnessed a diverse range of visual media to revitalize the cult of miraculous images, saints, and local Catholic customs in the Central European region. This region had a rich history of religious dissent, dating back to the legendary Hussites of the 15th century. Jesuit art, therefore, emerged as a remarkable synthesis of the transfer, local adaptation, and visualization of ideas related to image theology, the order's global mission, self-promotion, and the construction of the religious past.

By examining the architectural marvels, statues, images, murals, and decorative programs of Jesuit complexes and other visual media, including devotional prints and medieval images, the essays in this collection shed light on how the Jesuit Order meticulously cultivated the subjects and functions of art to promote profound concepts of Catholic piety. As the Jesuits emerged as one of the most influential agents of Catholic Reform in the Bohemian kingdom, they skillfully crafted a visual language that resonated with the hearts and minds of their audience, fostering a deeper understanding and devotion to the Catholic faith.

Through their artistic endeavors, the Jesuits not only enriched the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence religious practices to this day. Their commitment to using art as a means of spreading the gospel and promoting Catholic values remains a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the transformative impact of religious devotion.

Weight: 782g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666905861