Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.47960/2712-1844.2024.10.65
Iconographic Analysis of the Stone Funerary Cross from Donja Britvica Near Široki Brijeg
Ema Mazrak
orcid.org/0000-0003-3963-4628
; University of Sarajevo, Academy of Fine Arts
Abstract
This paper deals with the examination of a unique tombstone, the cross from Donja Britvica near Široki Brijeg. It was found in fragmentary condition at the local burial ground, and, its artistic value noted, it was restored and housed in the local church of Our Lady in Donja Britvica. Though only partially preserved, the cross was decorated with bas relief motifs depicting the ceremonial representation of Heavenly Jerusalem in a very authentic manner, and it also contained an inscription, which contained Latin graphemes in the mainly Cyrillic text. The architectural motifs with features of a mediaeval church were synthesized with floral motifs, such as cypresses or two trees of life each in a kantharos, together with symbolic birds and a cross, and an inscription within the portal of the tombstone, rendering it very unusual iconographically. In the light of this, each of the motifs was analysed and interpreted, and it was concluded from the presentation of all these features that it was a Roman Catholic monument, most likely dedicated to an individual/priestly figure. Finally, the tombstone can be dated to 1490 on the basis of the inscription.
Keywords
cross; tombstone; Britvica; Heavenly Jerusalem; relief; iconography
Hrčak ID:
320758
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2024.
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