Maria Mater Misericordiae

The exhibition Maria Mater Misericordiae, organised by the National Museum in Krakow with the Vatican John Paul II Foundation for Young People, is held as part of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, celebrated by the Catholic Church until November this year. From 24 June, the museum’s Main Building presents close to 100 works by outstanding artists from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany. The artworks, mainly on loan from Italian collections, were created between the 12th and 18th centuries, with authors including Giotto di Bondone, Paolo Veneziano, Donatello, Hans Memling, Andrea Mantegna, Albrecht Dürer and Peter Paul Rubens. We will see images of Mary in traditional blue robes alongside other popular depictions such as the Nursing Madonna, the Virgin of Tenderness, Our Lady Orant and the Pietà, interpreted as the expression of Mary’s mercy for many centuries. It will be the only official exhibition held as part of World Youth Day 2016 and it is a continuation of the tradition of presenting sacral art in prestigious museums of cities hosting the event.


The exhibition is accompanied by a map of cult images of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Kraków. The catalogue features essays by Bible scholars, theologians and art historians describing the history of the concept of Mater Misericordiae in theology, cultural practices of the Church, sacral music and iconography.  (Dorota Dziunikowska, "Karnet“ monthly)