„Chrystus i setnik z Kafarnaum”. Obraz z epitafium Balthasara Tilischa ponownie we Wrocławiu
"Christ and the Centurion of Capernaum". A painting from Balthasar Tilisch's epitaph back in Wrocław

Summary/Abstract: In 2012 a painting formerly belonged to Balthasar Tilisch’s (died in 1591) epitaph was purchased to enrich the collection of the National Museum in Wrocław. A small wooden epitaph from the Painters’ Chapel in St. Mary Magdalene church in Wrocław was recognised as lost after the war, similar to many other elements of the church interior decoration. The board was identified on antiquity market in Cracow thanks to the publication of an archival photo in the introductory article of the Museum collection catalogue Malarstwo śląskie 1520–1800 [Silesian Painting 1520–1800]. The painting of Christ and Centurion in Kafarnaum from the Tilisch’s epitaph is an undoubted work of the Wrocław author of a painting of Raising of Lazarus from Jeremias Behme’s (died in 1590) epitaph. The author of this article proves that the presentation of Christ meeting the Centurion is inspired by a woodcut composition elaborated in Wittenberg circle as an illustration for Lutheran postils. In Wrocław epitaphs it was applied earlier in a picture from Balthasar Mehl’s (died in 1545) epitaph. The author signals a phenomena of inspiring power of Lutheran woodcuts in Silesian painting of 16th century, hitherto not specially noticed.

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