The Coral Altar with the Apocalyptic Woman in the Treasury of St Mary’s Basilica in Krakow. Theological Contents
Stanisław Kobielus
The Polish version of the article was published in “Roczniki Humanistyczne,” vol. 64 (2016), issue 4.&#x0D; In museum collections there are a few objects made coral or decorated with it. They are, among others, altars, holy water fonts, crucifixes and other liturgical items. Most often they were bought during Poles’ travels to Italy Mannerism Baroque epochs. St Mary’s Basilica’s treasury boasts portable altar dated middle 17th century, gift from Maria Josepha, wife King Augustus III. It has golden frame is embellished enamel coral. Its centre features figure Blessed Virgin Mary standing on crescent, radiant glory, surrounded by Marian symbols. an apotheosis based fragment Apocalypse John. presented her cosmic attributes: twelve stars around head; she clothed glory; crescent under feet. Around seven symbolic biblical signs presented, ones connected exegetic tradition being mother Messiah. term Cedrus exaltata—is perceived as symbol majesty, sublimity, loftiness, paradisaical beauty, safety. Fons signatus sealed spring, enclosed one, accessible only Mother God’s Son, chosen God. Hortus conclusus virginity. Oliva speciosa points charity, extraordinary fertility, inner peace, relieving sufferings. Rosa plantata metaphor wisdom, love, medicine for sinners. Puteus aquarum viventium, well living waters, indicates mediation people redeemed Jesus. Turris eburnea—the ivory tower another feature immaculate body fortitude.
Roczniki Humanistyczne