CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2013
| Author | Debna, Magdalena Marta |
|---|---|
| Title | Our Lady of Czestochowa as a Model: A Study of "Miracle-Working" Icons and Images in the Latin West up to the Sixteenth Century |
| Summary | Our Lady of Częstochowa is the most venerable image in Poland. It is owned by the Pauline Fathers who have resided at the Jasna Góra monastery in Częstochowa since 1382. The origins of the image are mysterious, however, it became the object of pilgrimage after the 1420s. Our Lady of Częstochowa depicts the Virgin in the Hodegetria type of icon with scars on her right check. Many Polish scholars have already dealt with the image; although some of their research is outdated, most of their studies are valid in some respect even if not complete. This study uses a critical and comparative approach to analyse relevant aspects of the function of Our Lady of Częstochowa in the context of other Marian icons, images imitating them, and occasionally statues in the Latin West, up to the sixteenth century. Together with bringing in icons, Eastern-looking artworks, the theology standing behind them is also noted. This thesis goes beyond the national context to discover patterns in the cult of Marian depictions in regard to their look, origins, the history of Byzantine imports, legends and topoi, as well as pilgrimages to them based on visual experience and influenced by popular religiosity. What were the specific features of adjusting and accommodating the Marian icons and images in the Catholic cult? Over the centuries Our Lady of Częstochowa and other depictions have been re-painted, put into different frames, dressed in expensive robes, honoured with revetments, crowns, and votive offerings. They were believed to possess apotropaic powers. Their legends, illustrated by repeated motifs and paintings, assured their high status and close relationship with believers. Not the high artistic value, but their characteristic features made them the objects of pilgrimage, which attracted members of all social classes. This study challenges the notion of “miracle-working” images which were believed to create a sacred space related to pilgrims, a performance which kept them “alive.” Nevertheless, most of the miracles related to the Virgin did not happen at her shrines. The reception of Our Lady of Częstochowa shows that such an image can be read on the individual level and as a part of a whole. This study demonstrates that the contact between the Latin and Orthodox spheres was strong even against a changing historical background. |
| Supervisor | Jaritz, Gerhard; Szakács, Béla Zsolt |
| Department | Medieval Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2013/debna_magdalena.pdf |
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