A Higher Love—The Getty Presents The Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

"Noli me tangere" (about 1500), Master of the Chronique scandaleuse, French

CALIFORNIA---Prayer, both personal and communal, was an integral aspect of life in Europe during the Middle Ages. The readings, rites, and prayers contained in medieval Christian devotional books were often accompanied by lavish decorations that were key in both fostering and expressing the religious zeal of the faithful. Drawn primarily from the Getty Museum’s permanent collection, "The Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages", on display August 28, 2012–February 3, 2013, at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, features elaborately illuminated books executed in precious pigments and gold. These prayer books not only played an important role in everyday worship, but also served as material testaments to the piety of the books’ owners. The exhibition focuses on three aspects of religious life: public devotion, private devotion, and devotional literature.