The Sacred Lesser Poland Heritage

Abstract

It is assumed that the painting in question was created in 1741 and its foundation might have been associated with one of the local stonemasons operating in nearby Dębnik, whom Clement patronized. The date 1741 placed in the lower right corner of the composition may, however, refer not to the date of the painting, but to the date of its renovation. The work might have been created earlier, even in the first half of the 17th century. However, the lack of source information makes it impossible to confirm this hypothesis. Its authorship is unknown. The work depicts Pope Clement I, called the Clement of Rome. He lived in the 1st century and, according to tradition, was the fourth Bishop of Rome (ca. 91-101). He died a martyr's death during the reign of Emperor Trajan. He was sent into exile to Pontus or Crimea, where he was thrown into the sea with an anchor hanging around his neck. During exile, Clement was to work in a quarry. According to legend, to save his fellow prisoners suffering from thirst, he asked the Lamb of God for help. His prayers were answered – water sprang from the rocks of the quarry. This incident was presented on the left side of the painting. The saint is considered the patron of, i.a. stonemasons, sailors and miners. In Christian iconography, he is depicted as a mature, bearded man in pope's clothing (a papal tiara, a papal cross) with attributes in the form of an anchor, a lamb or a rock.