Between Statues and Icons

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The book explores how certain individuals in Roman society were viewed as embodiments of the divine, akin to cult statues. It examines the cultural context that led to this perception and illustrates how figures like emperors and bishops adopted the characteristics of statuary to position themselves as divine mediators. The analysis reveals the transition of this role to new objects like relics and icons in Christianity, highlighting the connection between ancient practices and later religious interactions. This work emphasizes the significance of integrating living figures into art historical discussions.