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Vol. 99 (2003): Our Past

Miscellanea

The first Polish martyrs - characteristics of their iconographic representation in sacral art

  • Bożena Grabowska
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.2003.99.355-366  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2003-06-30

Abstract

The text discusses the martyrdom of the first Polish saints, the Five Martyrs, monks from the Benedictine monastery following the rule of St Romuald, who died in a bandit attack. The location of the monastery near Międzyrzecz and the tragedy that occurred after returning a gift to Duke Bolesław Chrobry are presented as contextual background. The author emphasizes the heroism of the deceased and miraculous events following their deaths, also mentioning their beatification in 1005. Then, the text highlights the lack of iconographic research on these saints, particularly after the Council of Trent, and analyzes existing depictions of the Five Martyrs, showing them in Benedictine or Camaldolese habits with attributes such as daggers and swords thrust into their bodies. The author notes obstacles to the spread of the cult, including the invasion by Czech Duke Brzetysław and the relocation of the monastery to Kazimierz near Konin. Ultimately, the text underscores that the cult of saints primarily developed in contemplative orders associated with the Benedictines and Camaldolese.

References

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