Title: Skarby epoki Piastów
Description: Treasures of the Piast Dynasty commemorates the seven-hundredth anniversary of the coronation of Ladislaus I the Short which took place on January 20, 1320. This event opened a new chapter in Polish history, ending once and for all the period of feudal fragmentation and ushering in the long-awaited rebirth of the Kingdom of Poland. The anniversary provided the impulse to bring together splendid goldsmiths' works and jewels from the era of Piast rule. In addition to Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral, objects from this period have been preserved in historic churches primarily in Lesser Poland (Małopolska), Greater Poland (Wielkopolska), and Masovia (Mazowsze). The earliest objects date to the 10th century while the latest date to the 14th century. Among the most precious works is a cross made of two gold 13th-century diadems, which ranks among the preeminent accomplishments of European goldsmiths. Another greatly important group of objects is connected to Saint Kinga; they are preserved in the Convent of the Poor Clares in Stary Sącz. The presentation of the most precious jewels from the Środa Śląska treasure: a magnificent gold woman's crown decorated with eagles and a brooch, which are housed in the National Museum in Wrocław, is an unprecedented event. Extremely fine objects donated to churches by King Casimir III the Great, the last Polish ruler of the Piast dynasty, are also on view. Shown together for the first time are chalices from Trzemeszno, Stopnica, and Kalisz. They are joined by reliquary busts of Saint Mary Magdalene from Stopnica and Saint Sigismund from Płock Cathedral. Exhibition: Wawel Royal Castle, Kraków, Poland (21.01. - 19.04.2020).
Subjects: Medieval Art, Exhibitions
Places: Poland
People: Władysław I King of Poland (approximately 1260-1333), Kazimierz III King of Poland (1310-1370), Kunegunda Queen, consort of Bolesław V, Duke of Cracow and Sandomierz (1234-1292), Piast dynasty