From princess to saint. Development of the iconography of St. Hedwig of Silesia

Lecture by Józefina Fabisz accompanying the exhibition “Centulety. On the anniversary of the great exhibition of Silesian medieval art”

Wife of Henry the Bearded, founder of Gothic monasteries and one of the most expressive figures in the history of medieval Silesia. Jadwiga of Silesia (1178? —1243) went down in history not only as a duchess, but above all as an initiator of groundbreaking church foundations and a protector of the poor. Manifestations of piety, supported by testimonies of miracles attributed to her, led to her canonization as early as 24 years after her death. The memory of the Duchess, preserved in writing and painting, became one of the pillars of the identity of the then Silesia. The images of Jadwiga were commissioned by both court and ecclesiastical and urban circles. Illuminated codices, sculptures and panel paintings created in the following centuries combined the promotion of religious worship with the legitimization of the authority of the Piast dynasty and the building of the prestige of local communities. During the lecture, the evolution of the iconography of Jadwiga Śląska and the transformation of the ways of its presentation will be presented — from commemorations of her ascetic piety to monumental representations of the patroness and advocate of Silesia. The most important works of art and their intriguing, often turbulent fates will be presented, which turn out to be as fascinating as the biography of their heroine.

Meeting in the Pavilion of the Four Domes, free admission. If you have any questions, please contact the P4K Education Department: edukacja.pawilon@mnwr.pl or call 71 712 71 81.