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Vol. 85 (1996): Our Past

Articles

The neo-Gothic trend in the sacral architecture between the Vistula and Bug rivers

  • Jerzy Żywicki
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.1996.85.267-317  [Google Scholar]
Published: 1996-06-30

Abstract

The latest inventory lists 87 neo-Gothic churches in the area between the Vistula and Bug rivers (Lublin region), i.e. approximately 70% of all buildings in this style. The total collection includes 40 churches, 21 chapels, 9 small roadside chapels, 7 bell towers and other structures in the immediate vicinity of the churches. The Gothic Revival style appeared in the Lublin region in the late 18th century, but did not influence the architecture of churches until its second and third phases (ca. 1812-1870 and ca. 1870-1914 respectively). Most of the more than 20 church buildings from the second phase are still closely related to the classical model; their concessions to the new style are limited to the use of some Gothic-style decorative elements on the exterior walls. Only in a few cases do we find imitations of Gothic structures in addition to Gothic decorations. None of the architects were devoted admirers of the new style, although almost all of them were proficient in a wide range of Gothic techniques. Since the Gothic trend spread mainly through foreign illustrated publications, the actual buildings had a rather cosmopolitan appearance. The popularity of neo-Gothic in sacred architecture owes much to the widespread acceptance, after 1820, of Gothic as a model of Christian art. The third phase of Neo-Gothic was characterized by mature historicism, both in terms of construction and decoration. The architects included both outstanding professionals and practically unknown master builders. Most of the nearly 60 church buildings that represent this phase were built after 1905. The architects of some of these churches were fascinated by the idea of "Vistula-Baltic Gothic", which was treated as a preview of the Polish national style. After the suppression of the January Uprising of 1863-1864, the Gothic styling of churches in the Lublin region expressed both the religious commitment and the national commitment of the faithful. The history of neo-Gothic architecture in the area between the Vistula and Bug rivers ended in 1914. Several neo-Gothic buildings that were built after the outbreak of World War I should be treated as exceptions.

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