Devotion through Degradation

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the intentional reproduction of structural decay—such as cracks, crumbling frescoes, and tactile wear—in replicas of the Santa Casa distinguishes them from other religious reproductive traditions. Unlike idealized representations seen in Holy Sepulchre replicas or earlier iterations, these replicas prioritize the current state of deterioration, visually linking biblical adoration to modern devotion. This approach predisposes devotees to engage physically with the replica, blurring the line between original and copy. The study examines 18th-century trompe l’oeil effects and physical materials, demonstrating how degradation becomes a sacred performance, reinforcing continuity in religious reverence across time.

Giffin, E. (2025). Devotion through Degradation. Early Modern Replicas of the Holy House of Loreto, 107–145. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032662510-4