IMC 2016: Sessions

Session 622: Solemn and Significant Banquet: Mythical, Theological, and Liturgical, in the Artistic and Intellectual Culture of Medieval Poland

Tuesday 5 July 2016, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:	Institute of History of Art & Culture, Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków
Organiser:	Dariusz Tabor, Institute of History of Art & Culture, Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków
Moderator/Chair:	Arnold Otto, Erzbischöfliches Generalvikariat Erzbistumsarchiv, Paderborn
Paper 622-a	The Mighty and Mysterious Bread: The Eucharistic Epos Based on the Story of Gideon from the Chalice of Włocławek (Language: English) Dariusz Tabor, Institute of History of Art & Culture, Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków Index terms: Art History - Decorative Arts, Biblical Studies, Liturgy, Theology
Paper 622-b	The Holy and Universal Feast: The Existential and Social Aspects of the Eucharist in the Theology of St Bernard of Clairvaux (Language: English) Marek Chojnacki, Faculty of Theology, Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków Index terms: Liturgy, Monasticism, Sermons and Preaching, Theology
Paper 622-c	The Feast of Piast: Romantic and National Reception of a Medieval Myth (Language: English) Barbara Ciciora, Institute of History of Art & Culture, Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków Index terms: Art History - Painting, Language and Literature - Comparative, Literacy and Orality, Medievalism and Antiquarianism
Abstract	Dariusz Tabor in his paper gives a new interpretation of eight relief scenes from the cup of chalice of Włocławek (10th century). These images represent the story of Gideon (Jgs 6, 1 –7,25). In the context of this visual narration the loaf of barley bread (Jgs 7, 13) plays an exceptional role. It is the symbol which integrates all the story and shapes this story as an Eucharistic epos. Piotr Chojnacki, having as a subject the Eucharist in the thought of St Bernard of Clairvaux, tries to emphasize some particular aspects of the Eucharistic theology of Doctor Mellifluus. So the Eucharist is understood as an universal feast, which promotes the personal development and unifies the community. This analysis is made in the cultural context of monastic life. Barbara Ciciora considers in his paper the modern representation of medieval myth. This is a legend of Piast, a mythical founder of a first and esteemed dynasty that created Poland. According to medieval historiographical tradition Christian interpretation has been given to this myth. So, a kind of an origin myth that Romantics included into their literary and artistic repertoire and popularized in Polish culture. Especially rich in interpretations and cultural contexts (matrix) is a moment when Piast has to coming strangers as guests and feeds them, as did Biblical patriarch Abraham.