Dwa oltarze: srebrne arcydziela z wroclawskiej katedry

Abstract

The exhibition: 'Two Altarpieces. Masterpieces of Silverwork from Wroclaw Cathedral' - is a truly historical event. For the very first time since the Second World War we are able to exhibit in its full glory the famous silver altarpiece from the Wroclaw Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This has been possible owing to the several months of work conducted by the specialist conservation team from the National Museum in Wroclaw. The altarpiece was founded in 1591 by Bishop Andreas Jerin, one of the most prominent clergymen in the Wroclaw Diocese, and was made by two renowned artists representing Mannerism in Wroclaw: goldsmith Paul Nitsch and painter Bartholomaeus Fichtenberger. The universally admired work of art which was also one of main attractions in the city adorned the cathedral chancel from 1591 to 1945. It was dismantled before the siege of Wroclaw (then Breslau, at the end of WW2) and never returned in its old place, while its numerous parts were either damaged or lost. The priceless artefact was prepared for the exhibition by an especially appointed team of conservation experts from the National Museum in Wroclaw. The lost fragments have been recreated, and as a result the altarpiece has regained its original appearance and long-lost splendour. The exhibition also showcases other unique pieces of goldsmithing art made for the Wroclaw Cathedral in Augsburg, which was during those times the most important centre of goldsmithery in Europe. Among the exhibited pieces there are: a great silver tabernacle made by J.W. Fesenmayer, an antependium by A. Drentwett, a set of four silver altar figures, set of candleholders and the so-called canon tables.