Introduction: Relics and Remains
Alexandra Walsham
Depicted in this compelling early eighteenth-century print (Fig. 1), St Veronica’s veil is among the most renowned examples of cultural phenomenon that subject volume: a relic. According to tradition has crystallized around it over two millennia, vernicle cloth with which pious Jerusalem woman compassionately dried face suffering Christ on road his crucifixion at Calvary, and upon visage was miraculously imprinted photographic facsimile. Some versions welter legend now surrounding tell how hallowed item carried Rome presented Emperor Tiberius, whom said have cured. Endorsed indulgences exposed for public veneration by papacy, popularized pen paint authors artists later Middle Ages. Devotion relic survived Fig. 1. The Vernicle Veronica, made Jakob Christoph le Blon, 1721. AN17568001 Trustees British Museum
Past & Present