Symbolism, aesthetics, faith – a few words about religious decoration on tile stoves

Selected examples of stove tiles are presented in this article in the context of an iconographic analysis of their relief decoration, which included Biblical symbols and scenes as a reflection of the people’s need to surround themselves with religious motifs that expressed their spiritual beliefs. Stove tiles were decorated with motifs that were widely recognized and important in the lives of ordinary people. These images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints and scenes from the Scripture helped individuals to keep and defend the faith, especially in times of need. They gave people the much needed feeling of God’s presence in their lives and at the same time allowed them to express their religious beliefs by decorating furnaces with this type of motifs

ill. ; 24 cm

il. ; 24 cm