Routledge - Art and the Relic Cult of St. Antoninus in Florence

Explore the history of St. Antoninus and his impact on the sacred landscape of Renaissance Florence. This interdisciplinary study by Routledge traces the development of his cult and the movement of his remains from his death in 1459 until 1589. By examining the visual culture of early modernity, this book reveals how art and ritual shaped the saint's persona. The research looks at how specific works of art and burial rituals communicated his saintly power to the public. For those living in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Florence, these visual elements were essential for those seeking his intercessory help with life's many challenges. This academic work uses a wide variety of contemporary visual and literary sources to build a detailed picture of how a single relic cult influenced the city's identity and sacred geography. It is an essential resource for students and scholars interested in religious history, art history, and the evolution of urban sacred spaces.