“The Relic Master” by Christopher Buckley

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

The Relic Master by Christopher Buckley is a hilarious, darkly satirical, madcap romp through European history at the dawn of the Protestant Reformation. I know how that sounds, but bear with me!

Probably best known for his modern political satires, author Christopher Buckley (son of William F. Buckley) takes aim at the complicated politics of the Holy Roman Empire just as a pesky friar by the name of Martin Luther tacks his theses to the chapel door. Set in 1517, Buckley takes readers on a heist adventure set in the weird and difficult-to-navigate world between The State and The Church, which will have you constantly questioning who is really in charge?

The main character is Dismas, a former soldier turned relic hunter, who works for some powerful and dangerous clients. Dismas is a specialist when it comes to recovering holy objects for veneration and is best known for his discerning ability to acquire only the most authentic relics… or at least, as authentic as the market allows! Things get dicey when Dismas is forced to steal, er… I mean… translate… the most holy (and most famous) relic in the known world. This fast-paced and fun to read novel is more than just an adventure story. There are some really insightful observations of a society on the brink of Renaissance and more than a few disturbing descriptions of Medieval torture techniques.

Be warned – this book is not for everyone! It is a darkly comedic satire that calls attention to the very real historical practice by The Church of selling indulgences in order to shorten one’s time in purgatory. I have seen this book described as both “bawdy” and “irreverent” and both adjectives definitely apply. And when it comes to the biting commentary of religious practitioners during the end of the Middle Ages, no one is off limits – not even the pope!

So, why would I review this book on a blog dedicated to all things art?

Because Buckley deftly and expertly includes the famed German artist Albrecht Durer as one of the main characters! I know that it may sound like a stretch, but trust me, it works! In the story, Durer is required to accompany his old pal, Dismas, on his epic adventure and becomes vital to pulling off the ultimate heist. I feel like Buckley’s characterization of Durer is spot on from what we know of the artist and it only adds to the hilarity of a seemingly impossible task.

If you decide to read The Relic Master, leave your thoughts in the comments. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Lastly, I don’t want to give anything away, but it may be helpful to know this painting…

Self-Portrait of Albrecht Durer, ca1500AD

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.