Two-sided procession float

Identifier
DZIELO/05191
Amount
1
Detailed dimensions
Height without frame – 59 cm
Width without frame – 49 cm
Catalogue note author
Justyna Kuska

Abstract

A two-sided procession float with paintings of "Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" and "Saint Joseph and the Child" is the work of an unknown artist, probably folk one, with modest workmanship skills. It might have been created at the end of the 19th or the beginning of the 20th century, as evidenced by the neo-gothic frame in which both of the above-mentioned paintings are included. At the turn of 1996 and 1997, the building underwent restoration work by professor Małgorzata Schuster-Gawłowska. Iconographically, the work refers to the family of Christ. Saint Anne, depicted on the obverse of the procession float, was the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. Little is known about Anne's life – she was not included in any of the Gospels. According to tradition, Anne and her husband Joachim, already in old age, prayed for the birth of a child. In iconography, Anne has been most often portrayed as an elderly woman with a book, in the scene of teaching Mary how to read. The depiction of Saint Anne with Virgin and Child is an iconographic theme of medieval provenance. It shows three generations of Christ's family. In painting, but also sculptures, Anne has been most often depicted as sitting on a bench/throne; on her lap there is Mary in a reduced scale, holding Baby Jesus. Saint Joseph, depicted on the reverse of the procession float, was in turn the guardian of the Mother of God and Jesus. In iconography he is depicted as an elderly, bearded man holding Baby Jesus in his arms. His attribute is a white lily flower symbolising chastity.

Persons related to work

How to cite?

Justyna Kuska, "Two-sided procession float", [in:] "The Sacred Lesser Poland Heritage", 2024, source:  https://sdm.upjp2.edu.pl/en/works/two-sided-procession-float-1

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