Sensuous Worship by Jeffrey Chipps Smith

Jesuits and the Art of the Early Catholic Reformation in Germany

This insightful work delves into the vibrant and immersive world of religious art and architecture in the Holy Roman Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. It explores how the Counter-Reformation spurred a dynamic interplay between sensory experiences and spiritual devotion, transforming churches into spaces of visual and emotional engagement. Through a detailed examination of paintings, sculptures, and architectural designs, the book reveals how these artistic expressions were crafted to captivate the senses, inspire awe, and deepen the faithful's connection to the divine, ultimately reshaping the landscape of religious worship.