What happens when sculpture isn’t just seen—but touched, kissed, and even believed to come alive?
In this episode, Liz speaks with Dr. Una D’Elia about the tactile and emotional power of Renaissance devotional sculpture. From crucifixes with moveable joints to sculptures dressed and cradled, we explore how sacred objects were animated through ritual, touch, and intimacy.
We begin in 1399 Pisa, where, in the middle of a plague, crowds gathered not to flee, but to touch a crucifix they believed could save them. As Dr. D’Elia explains, these devotional encounters reveal a world where physical contact with art was not only accepted, but vital.
View more Renaissance sculpture here: https://hdl.handle.net/1974/14832
Article by Dr. D'Elia in The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/belief-in-touch-as-salvation-was-stronger-than-fear-of-contagion-in-the-italian-renaissance-157135
Learn more about Dr. D'Elia: https://www.queensu.ca/art/people/una-delia
Connect with Liz at Matter of Art on the podcast website: https://matterofart.crd.co/.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.