The Incarnate Word. The Bethlehem of Krzeszów and the mysticism of Infant Jesus (Chapter 5)

A unique Nativity foundation, commissioned between 1674 and 1677 by Abbot Bernhard Rosa near Krzeszów, stands out for its intricate sculptural representation of the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This chapel, designed as a faithful copy of the original site, embodied a profound mysticism centered on the Infant Jesus, as elaborated in Abbot Rosa's prayer book 'Liebliche Rose von Jericho'. Historical records from Jesuit chronicles and other sources reveal that Nativity piety, characterized by elaborate scenes and plays, was already prevalent in Silesia from the late 16th century. This study highlights the significance of this foundation not only for its architectural and artistic merit but also for its deep spiritual and cultural impact, blending historical documentation with a detailed analysis of its mysticism.

(Ed.). (2025). 5. The Incarnate Word. The Bethlehem of Krzeszów and the mysticism of Infant Jesus. Art and Mysticism in Silesia in the Baroque Period, 243–296. https://doi.org/10.13109/9783666500879.243