Šiluvos bazilikos Šventosios Šeimos paveikslas

Abstract

The picture of The Holy Family which was created in the second half of the 18th century and located on the terminal side altar of the left nave in the Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Šiluva was chosen as the object of this article. This particular altar-piece was not dissertated till nowadays, but it distinguishes several interesting aspects of iconography which ask for an explicit research. So, the analysis of this image in iconographical-iconological aspects became the main purpose of this article. The altar of The Holy Family in the Basilica of Šiluva had the title of St. Joseph till the 20th century and was related with the cult of this saint. From the second half of the 17th century or the beginning of 18th century the Confraternity of St. Joseph operated in this church and the altar mentioned above belonged to it. The devotional tradition of St. Joseph was preserved and carried on in the second half of 18th century when in Šiluva the new brick– built church was erected. The image of The Holy Family was placed in St. Joseph altar in the end of 18th century and it is attributed to the iconographical type of Terrestrial Trinity. In the art context of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania the originality of Šiluva altar-piece is based on the complementary subject of Jesus among the Doctors. The theological essence of The Holy Family altar-piece of Šiluva is both the emphasis on the mystery of One God in Three Persons and its connection with world and the new Church. And the family which consists of three essential parts is a constituent of this new Church. The first manifestation of Jesus’ independent activity in this case marks the end creating the new model of Terrestrial family. This model is set on its connection with the God in Three Divine Persons. The Holy Family image and altar make the harmonious part of the whole iconographical programme in the Basilica of Šiluva. [...]