It used to be that the Getty was richer with illuminated manuscripts than it was rich with scandal, so let's return to those thrilling days of yesteryear with the radiant fistful of atheist Kryptonite that is the opening of the “Art of Devotion in the Middle Ages” exhibition. Back in the Judeo-Christian Middle Ages, there wasn't much else to do but to die or be devoted, so many people opted for the latter and dedicated their lives to the creation of manuscripts the presentation of which was lavishly bedecked in gold and silver. What better way to illustrate the word of God than with shiny metal that would reflect in His face while he read it? Drawn entirely from the Getty Museum's exhaustive collection, the exhibition includes manuscripts retelling Bible stories that not only enthralled the rabble but also showed Heaven just how pious the patrons of those manuscripts were, because all that gold and silver wasn't going to loot itself. Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive; Tues., Aug. 28, 11 a.m.; free. (310) 440-7300, getty.edu.

Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Aug. 28. Continues through Feb. 3, 2012

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