THE OLD-TESTAMENT GENESIS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE CREATORS OF THE SIGISMUND CHAPEL: THE KING AND BERRECCI

Drawing on the Bible and 15th-century examples of biblical exegesis, the author of this article seeks to explain the content of the inscription Bartholo Florentino Opifice carved in the dome of the lantern in the Wawel chapel dedicated to the Assumption as well as the causes behind the lofty placing of this inscription within the sphere symbolising empyreal heaven among choirs of angels. This inscription has been interpreted not only as an expression of social and cultural transformations, but also as an integral part of the entire building's ideological programme, inspired by the effects of neo-Platonic doctrines, thus permitting the artist to perceive his artistry and the fruits of his labour in an analogy to a divine work of creation. In previous discussion on the inscription's content, genesis and meaning, no consideration has been taken of the theological circumstances in which the Chapel was built. The voice of the speaker from heaven is a characteristic element from the Bible of direct revelation, and simultaneously a symbol of every other kind of revelation. These kinds of revelation were experienced by Moses and Solomon, the builders of two temporal forms of the House of God: the Tabernacle and the Temple of Jerusalem as two constructions of perfection. Inspired by the words contained in Exodus, the inscription carved in the Sigismund Chapel lantern, even though it records the name of Berrecci, nevertheless serves as an artistic and theological emphasis of the king's glory and virtues, his wisdom as well as his specific mission in creating worldly order.