The rescue of a medieval, painted tabernacle from Marianka Pasłęcka, north Poland

Abstract

The wooden tabernacle from Marianka Paslecka, dated to the early 15th century, is one of the few, still preserved from that period, in Poland. The progress of its damage had been probably slight between 15th and early 20th century. The artefact has always been mounted in the wall of its original church interior, despite the denominational changes. It has incessantly fulfilled its tasks, but was simultaneously exposed to diverse destructive factors, resulting from its use and quite stormy history of the village. The effects of that are – among others – gunshot holes on the painted Man of Sorrows on the door, his extremely damaged face and almost archaeological condition of the oak wood. The aim of treatment was to stop the process of damage and enable the tabernacle to continue fulfilling its functions while preserving its historic and artistic values.