Derived from the Latin term "ex voto suscepto" meaning made in accordance with a vow, ex votos embody the hopes, dreams, and anxieties of the people who deposited them. Thus, almost anything, no matter its size, weight, form, or original function, can become a votive object. The category ex voto refers to a particular subset of the material world in which objects are not necessarily made with the intention of being votive, but become charged with votive meaning once they have been consecrated to a deity or deities. The variety of materials, forms, techniques of making, and manner of dedication all suggest that the wide array of materialized aspects of human devotion, function as a category in itself. This volume one of the only collections dedicated exclusively to the subject has been compiled with the assumption that a shared conceptual framework underpins the objects produced as part of the ritual of votive giving, and that by merit of their dedication they have become a category which represents a stage and a place in the life of a material artifact. As such, "Ex Voto: Votive Giving Across Cultures," is a comparative study, and the volume ranges from the classical Mediterranean world, through medieval Italy and northern Europe, to the period of the Catholic Reform and on to Mexico, Shinto and Buddhist Japan, and Muslim Iran. This volume will be read with interest and stimulate fresh discussion across cultures and disciplines. "

Ex-Voto is the culmination of Alys Tomlinson's five-year photographic journey exploring pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Reproduction of the original: Ex Voto by Samuel Butler

"Within Catholicism, ex-votos are votive objects presented in thanks for heavenly intercession with a misfortune such as an accident or illness. This book features two types of Italian ex-votos ... dating from 1832 to 1959: metal objects in the shapes of people, afflicted body parts, or hearts, and painted narrative tablets depicting the dramatic moment of crisis for which intercession was requested"--Publisher's description.

Poetry. "The bell-like musicality of these poems belies their grim insistence: we live in a furnace. We consume and are consumed"-San Francisco Chronicle. "Mayes has an urgent interest in the ways past and present converge. she writes with terse magic"--The Los Angeles Times.

The first part of the book is given to an analysis of folk retablo painting. The second part concentrates on iconography and on why certain images of Christ, Mary, and the saints were venerated. The third part examines ex-votos, small images painted to commemorate the donor's gratitude for a favor.

Samuel Butler's 'Ex Voto: An Account of the Sacro Monte or New Jerusalem at Varallo-Sesia' serves as a detailed and vivid exploration of the Sacro Monte religious complex in Varallo-Sesia. The book provides readers with an in-depth look at the unique architecture, sculptures, and religious significance of this pilgrimage site. Butler's literary style is characterized by a mix of historical detail and personal reflection, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Sacro Monte's cultural and spiritual importance in the context of 17th-century Italy. Through rich descriptions and insightful analysis, Butler brings to life the artistic and religious heritage of Varallo-Sesia in a compelling and engaging manner. His attention to detail and nuanced storytelling make 'Ex Voto' a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of art history, religious studies, and Italian culture. Samuel Butler's background as a prolific author and art critic lends credibility to his exploration of the Sacro Monte, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, religion, and history.

"This catalogue is published in conjunction with the exhibition Agents of Faith: Votive Objects in Time and Place, held at the Bard Graduate Center Gallery from September 14, 2018 through January 6, 2019"--Colophon.

A Shared Elegy presents two pairs of photographers connected by family ties. Osamu James Nakagawa and his uncle, Takayuki Ogawa, and Elijah Gowin and his father, Emmet Gowin, present unique but overlapping visions recording family histories. Nakagawa, like his uncle, Ogawa, grew up in Japan and draws upon his country's traditions and the practice of honoring elders; family heritage and home in Virginia have inspired the Gowins to make photographs that depict the intimate and hallowed nature of the world. These photographs compel us to reflect and consider our place in the cycle of life. A collaboration between the Grunwald Gallery and the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University, this exhibition catalogue juxtaposes rich imagery with discussions about the artists and their aesthetic approaches to photography.

In the modern age of the 4th Industrial Revolution, advancements in communication and connectivity are transforming the professional world as new technologies are being embedded into society. These innovations have triggered the development of a digitally driven world where adaptation is necessary. This is no different in the architectural field, where the changing paradigm has opened new methods and advancements that have yet to be researched. Impact of Industry 4.0 on Architecture and Cultural Heritage is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the application of new technological tools, such as digital modeling, within architectural design, and improves the understanding of the strategic role of Industry 4.0 as a tool to empower the role of architecture and cultural heritage in society. Moreover, the book provides insights and support concerned with advances in communication and connectivity among digital environments in different types of research and industry communities. While highlighting topics such as semantic processing, crowdsourcing, and interactive environments, this publication is ideally designed for architects, engineers, construction professionals, cultural researchers, academicians, and students.