Spectacular Miracles at the Ashmolean.

19 Oct 2005-29 Jan 2006. The potency of images in modern times is well-documented, but this exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum offers a different perspective. Spectacular Miracles: Images of supernatural power from Northwest Italy explores the timeless belief in talismans and in particular the phenomenon in Catholic culture of crying or talking statues of the Madonna or patron saint capable of performing miracles. Even in the digital era, whole communities often turn to such images or cult objects in times of need. The Ashmolean has taken pictures of statues and other objects from the area around Genoa as the basis for this exhibition, which is the first of its kind in Britain. Included in the display are images of the wooden statue of the Madonna della Fortuna, which once formed the prow of a wrecked sailing ship and a fresco of the Madonna on a garden wall. Admission to the museum is free.

Tues-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-17.00