Heavenly Bodies: Relics of Catholic Saints - in pictures

St Valerius in Weyarn, Germany. Records suggest the decoration is incomplete,but is has similarities in technique with the relic of Alburtus further south in the Bavarian village of Burgrain (see later image) Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

A skull relic from Roggenburg, Germany, given a generic name of Deodatus, as its real identity is unknown Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

St Friedrich at the Benedictine abbey in Melk, Austria, is in a reclining pose, typical to some of the relics. He holds a laurel branch as a sign of victory Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

St Albertus in the church of St George, Burgrain, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

The hand of St Valentin in Bad Schussenried, Germany Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

St Benedictus in the church of St Michael, Munich Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

St Luciana from Heiligkreuztal, Bavaria, who was prepared for display by the nuns in nearby Ennetach Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

The skull of St Getreu in Ursberg, Germany. It's covered in silk mesh and fine wirework set with gemstones Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

St Valentinus in Waldsassen, Germany, was decorated by the lay brother Adalbart Eder, and wears a biretta and an elaborate, jewelled version of a deacon's cassock, as the saint was believed to have been a deacon Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson

St Vincentus in Stams, near Innsbruck, Austria. The ribs are exposed beneath a web of golden leaves, and the hand rasied to cover the face is a sign of modesty Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson