Art and Mysticism in Silesia in the Baroque period

Art and mysticism in Silesia during the Baroque period a unique phenomenon on the scale of the whole of Europe

This volume deals with original mystical initiatives and related artistic realizations, which were created in the circle of the outstanding Silesian poet and theologian, Johannes Scheffler, known as Angelus Silesius, abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Krzeszów, Bernhard Rosa and the most outstanding Silesian artist, Michael Willmann. Although the 17th century Silesian mysticism is now very popular worldwide, we know very little about the relationship between mysticism and art in former Silesia. This issue has never been the subject of a comprehensive study. It is not surprising, therefore, that the research so far overlooked the unusual and unique joint initiative mentioned above by two outstanding Silesian mystics and the best Silesian artist of the Baroque era. Its aim was to combine elements of mystical experience with various forms of mass piety of a counter-Reformation nature. Importantly, all forms of mass mystical piety were closely linked to the use of devotional works of art, which were designed primarily by Michael Willmann. They became the most popular images in the religious culture of Silesia until the end of the 18th century. Just as the literary and philosophical achievements of Silesian mystics led by Angelus Silesius, so also works of art serving mystical piety, which were created by Willmann, we can safely consider as a kind of event and an important contribution of Silesia to the culture of European Baroque.

Auteur
Andrzej Kozie is art historian and works in the Institute of Art History, University of Wrocaw. He is the Chair of Art History and Cultural Heritage, University of Ostrava. He specializes in Baroque painting and drawing in Central Europe with particular interest in Michael Willmann and his school. Author and co-author of several books, e.g.: Drawings of Michael Willmann (16301706) (2000), Op Nederlandse Manier. Netherlandish Inspirations in Silesian Art in 15th18th Century (2001), Angelus Silesius, Bernhard Rosa and Michael Willmann or Art and Mysticism in Silesia in Baroque Times (2006), Michael Willmann and His Painting Workshop (2013), Baroque Painting in Silesia (2017) and over 60 articles.