IN THE SHADOW OF THE GIANT MOUNTAINS - ANDRZEJ KOZIEŁ, ARTUR KOLBIARZ

Discover the fascinating history and artistic richness of the Baroque main altar in Jelenia Góra, described by Andrzej Kozieł and Artur Kolbiarz. This unique monograph takes you on a journey through the centuries, showing the beauty and significance of this extraordinary work of art. Learn the secrets of its creation, the profiles of the creators, and the hidden ideological messages.

• Detailed analysis of the altar's creation history
• Profiles of the creators: Thomas Weissfeldt and Johann Philipp Kretschmer
• Genesis of artistic form and architectural construction
• Ideological program encoded in the representations
• Over a hundred illustrations showing the beauty of the altar
• Description of the competition between the Catholic and Lutheran denominations
• 2025 edition, paperback

The Baroque main altar in the parish church of St. Erasmus and St. Pancras in Jelenia Góra is a true pearl of sacred architecture. Its bold form and rich content attract the attention of everyone who visits this temple. The authors of the monograph, Artur Kolbiarz and Andrzej Kozieł, describe this extraordinary work with passion and precision, which has been preserved in almost its original condition. The altar, made by the excellent artists Thomas Weissfeldt and Johann Philipp Kretschmer, is an outstanding example of Baroque art in Silesia and a testimony to the political and religious reality that contributed to its creation. It fits perfectly into the then competition between the Catholic and Lutheran denominations, constituting a specific theatrum sacrum that moves everyone who visits the church of Jelenia Góra.

The monograph details the history of the altar's creation, the profiles of its creators, the genesis of the artistic form and architectural construction, and analyzes the ideological program encoded in the picturesque and sculptural representations. The whole is complemented by over a hundred illustrations showing the extraordinary beauty of this monumental realization, which, thanks to conservation works, is regaining its former glory today. This book is not only a valuable source of knowledge for art historians and lovers of the Baroque, but also a fascinating read for all those who want to explore the secrets of one of the most valuable monuments of Silesia.

Thanks to this monograph, the reader has the opportunity to get to know this unique work of art more closely, understand its historical and religious context, and appreciate the artistry of the artists who created it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Silesia, Baroque art and the cultural heritage of Poland. Let yourself be carried away on a fascinating journey through time and discover the beauty of the Baroque altar in Jelenia Góra!