Point d’intérêt
Ducal Hall
A ceremonial interior combining painting, sculpture and stucco decoration.
Langue du contenu
The Ducal Hall extends through two storeys of the Abbots’ Palace. Its decoration combines the work of three workshops: paintings by Christian Bentum, sculpture by Franz Joseph Mangoldt and stuccowork by Provisore. Colourful surfaces imitating marble form part of a scheme that brings together painting, three-dimensional figures and ornament. The lower zone depicts three Habsburg emperors, the cardinal virtues and personifications of strength and constancy.
Atlas supports the musicians’ gallery, while Apollo and Marsyas also appear among the figures. The corners contain allegories of Europe, Asia, Africa and America, the four parts of the world represented in European art of the period. The overhead painting depicts the triumph of the Catholic faith and glorifies Bolesław I the Tall, the founder of the abbey. Paintings between the windows refer to the life of Elisabeth Christine, wife of Emperor Charles VI. The decorative scheme therefore places the memory of the Piast founder alongside figures and symbols of the Habsburg monarchy. The hall is included in the regular visiting programme.
Pour les enfants
In the Ducal Hall, paintings, sculptures and wall decorations form one large composition. The room is so tall that it occupies two levels of the building. Christian Bentum painted the pictures, Franz Joseph Mangoldt made the sculptures, and Provisore created the stuccowork. Stucco is decoration moulded onto walls and ceilings.
The figure of Atlas supports a gallery for musicians. There are also figures of Apollo and Marsyas, and three emperors from the Habsburg family. Figures in the four corners represent Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The overhead painting commemorates Bolesław I the Tall, who founded the abbey. Pictures between the windows tell of Elisabeth Christine, wife of Emperor Charles VI. The hall can be seen during regular guided visits.
Question 1 sur 2
Which figure supports the musicians’ gallery?
- Emplacement
- Abbots’ Palace, entered from the first floor. Included in regular guided visits.