Niekoľko interpretačných úvah k Donnerovmu oltáru v bratislavskom Dóme sv. Martina
Some Interpretative Considerations on the Donner Altar in the Cathedral of St. Martin in Bratislava
Author(s): Ingrid HalászováSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Cultural history, Visual Arts, Political history, 18th Century, History of Art
Published by: SAV - Slovenská akadémia vied - Slovenská akadémie vied - Centrum vied o umení
Keywords: Georg Raphael Donner; Cathedral of St. Martin in Bratislava; Equestrian statue of St. Martin with the beggar; archbishop Emericus Esterházy; hussar; Rubens
Summary/Abstract: The study focuses on the monumental Baroque altar (1733–1735) in St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava,created by one of the most important sculptors of the Austrian High Baroque, Georg RaphaelDonner. Although only the central sculpture of St. Martin on horseback has been preserved in thechurch, historical visual sources help reconstruct its original appearance. The altar’s volute canopywith a large model of the Hungarian royal crown has traditionally been linked to the church’s coronationfunction, but is here reinterpreted as a symbolic representation of the „invisible Crown“ – thepolitically conceived Hungarian Land. Donner’s innovative depiction of St. Martin as a Hungarianhussar combines political, religious, and national symbolism. The dynamic rearing horse suggestsinfluence from classical dressage, possibly inspired by François Robichon de la Guérinière’s École decavalerie. The composition’s torso movement also appears to reference Rubens’ painting of the dyingRoman consul Decius Mus.
Journal: ARS
- Issue Year: 58/2025
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 87-100
- Page Count: 14
- Language: Slovak
