Category Archives: Poland

Europe, Nativities, Poland

Holy Family Protected by an Angel

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Under the protective watch of an angel the Holy family is lovingly depicted in this intimate setting carved byTadeusz Kacalak. St. Joseph is leaning on his staff, a frown of concern on his brow. St. Mary is leaning into St. Joseph while she cradles the baby Jesus with her right hand. The Christ Child is wrapped in swaddling clothes tied together with a red bow, his eyes wide open.

Tadeusz Kacalak is a well-known Polish folk artist recognized for his colorful carvings depicting Christian biblical themes, saints, and local village people. He started carving in 1972. Since then, he has received numerous artistic awards throughout Europe.

Tadeusz prefers linden wood and employs only the simplest tools for his carvings. His sculptures are painted in muted pastel shades using water-based paints and sealing emulsions.

Tadeusz has been featured in several solo-exhibitions in Poland, Germany, Holland and the United States. His work is represented in various museums and important private collections.

Tadeusz Kacalak is represented in the United States by https://folkartsofpoland.com/

Europe, Poland

Wycinanki Holy Family

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“Wycinanki” pronounced Vee-chee-non-kee is the Polish word for ‘paper-cut design’. It is not known when or why this art form began to flower in Poland. Some suggest it goes back to the time when few farm houses had glass windows. To keep out the elements, farmers hung sheep skins over the window openings. Then, to let in some light and air, they took their sheep shears and snipped small openings in the skins, and these were soon recognized as decorative as well as functional.

Under the Star of Bethlehem and surrounding stars this simple paper cut depicts Mary and Joseph devoutly kneel on either side of the Baby Jesus. Jesus is lying on a bed of grass and cloth.

Europe, Poland

Circular WYCINANKI Nativity

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“Wycinanki” pronounced Vee-chee-non-kee is the Polish word for ‘paper-cut design’. It is not known when or why this art form began to flower in Poland. Some suggest it goes back to the time when few farm houses had glass windows. To keep out the elements, farmers hung sheep skins over the window openings. Then, to let in some light and air, they took their sheep shears and snipped small openings in the skins, and these were soon recognized as decorative as well as functional.

Surrounded by elegantly cut flowers, Mary is seated holding the Baby Jesus who is wrapped in swaddling cloths. Joseph stands next to them. A sheep rests at Mary’s feet while two angels flank the Holy Family. The Star of Bethlehem shines about the Baby Jesus while brilliant stars surround them.

Europe, Poland

Polish Holy Family

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This beautiful nativity was created by Jerzy Chodorowski.

Mr. Chodorowski is a Polish sculptor who had been active in Krakow since 1975. His style is very much influenced by the work of Southern polish sculptors, especially from the Podhale region. He mostly sculpts religious figures. His work is in private collections all over the world. (http://www.rzezba-w-drewnie-chodorowski.pl/gb/index.htm)

Set in a simple stable, a stout mother Mary is holding a pious baby Jesus. Joseph stand protectively behind them. His facial expression seems to hint at the fact that he does not know what to think. The star rests on top of the stable. The tree of life or the Jesse tree grows right outside. The donkey is the only animal in the stable.

In addition there are two music making angels. One is playing an accordion, the other a violin. The three Magi devoutly approach the Holy Family and offer their gifts. A shepherd and his sheep answer the call of the angels and arrive to worship the baby Jesus.