In the later decades, art historical writing has focused strongly on the use and reception of images. The articles of this publication are devoted to two crucial concepts or functions of Christian images in the Middle Ages and post-Reformation period: the image of cult and the image of devotion ('Andachtsbild'). The 16 contributors present and discuss visual art and the receptions and functions of pictures in the West (and East) European area from Late Antiquity to the 18th century. Furthermore, they bring into focus a rich Nordic material, which until now has been almost unknown in the international context. The articles are written in English and German. Contributors: Ake Andren, Henrik von Archen, Martin Blindheim, F.O. Buttner, Peter Dinzelbacher, Helena Edgren, Jens Fleischer, Signe Horn Fuglsang, Poul Grinder-Hansen, Ulla Hastrup, Soren Kaspersen, Ingalill Pegelow, Kees van der Ploeg, Hanne Kolind Poulsen and Aina Trotzig.