Kauno Šventojo Kryžiaus Bažnyčia : Nereglamentuotas Via Crucis Freskų Ciklas
Kaunas Church of The Holy Cross: Unregulated Frescoes Cycle of the Via Crucis

Summary/Abstract: Pastor Kazimieras Žodkevičius consecrated the foundation stone of Kaunas Holy Cross church in 23 July 1685, and bishop of Vilnius Kazimieras Bžostauskas consecrated the almost completed construction of the temple in 27 July 1700. In this church an unregulated frescoes cycle of the Via Crucis was created at the end of the 17th c. This Way of the Cross consists of seventeen images and the sculpture of the Crucifix. In Lithuanian sacral art only one cycle of the Via Crucis is of this kind. In this article the frescos are analyzed comprehensively for the first time, recognizing the picture narratives and analyzing the iconography and artistic expression as far as possible (The frescoes are in poor condition, not restored.). The aim of this article is to reveal the iconology of Jesus Christ‘s Way of Sorrows that is depicted in frescoes cycle and to reveal the theological meaning. That is why the main focus is on the original images. In addition, the former interior equipment, i. e. the 17th c. altar ensemble, is very important for this research. The current equipment is discussed only in so far as relates to the unsuccessful 19th c. interior conversion. Also, the surviving frescoes are analyzed in the context of the Via Crucis devotion. A portion of the illustrations are published for the first time.

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