Monstrance reliquary in the form of a crucifix with relics of the Holy Cross, gilt bronze, silver-plated, Central Europe, 18th century.
A rococo double-sided reliquary in the shape of a cross with decorative three-leafed arm ends, decorated with silver rosettes and ruby-colored glass. The glazed box (ostensorium) contains a metal, glazed capsule. At its very center, against a bright background, are two splinters arranged in a cross. The relic is surrounded by an elaborate decoration made of silver or gilded metal threads twisted into tiny springs and weaves (known as biont). They form the form of a radial nimbus around a central point. The wreath around the relic is decorated with eight pearls (probably river pearls). The whole was composed on a silk or parchment pad.
Around the capsule a rich, openwork gloria with a dynamic, asymmetrical rococo composition. The decoration is based on rocaille motifs and fancifully twisted volutes of the C and S type, supplemented with artistic floral details (cartilaginous and bivalve ornament). Surface finely chiseled, with preserved gilding in the recesses of the ornament.
The back of the reliquary has a passion character. The figure of the Crucified Christ (Corpus Christi) is placed here. A decorative rosette with green glass is preserved on the right arm of the cross. Mounting holes and rivets can be seen on the other arms.
Baluster shaft, in a simple geometric form. Oval foot, wide and profiled, decorated with repoussed motifs of leaves and flowers, silvered.
Monstrance, brass with silver-plated elements, France, ca. 1860-1890
Natan Korzen (1895 – 1941), Landscape from Kazimierz Dolny overlooking the synagogue, 1930s.
Nathan Gutman (1914 Warsaw – 1990 Paris), Female Nude, oil on cardboard, Paris (?)
Pair of skulls joined by occiputs, wood, Germany, 1635
Plaque with Suchekomnaty coat of arms and panoplies, silver and silk, Poland, 18th century.
Oval plaque made of forged silver sheet, from the second half of the 18th century, with an engraved Suchekomnaty coat of arms on a shield surrounded by panoplies, surmounted by a crown, and a monogram “P. J.” . In the 1820s–1830s the plaque was sewn onto an ornate, soft textile backing made of alternating layers of amaranth and ecru silk fabrics. The background is adorned with hand embroidery crafted from silver purl, sequins, and sheet metal appliqués forming floral compositions. Two wax seals are preserved on the reverse.
Originally, the plaque may have served a sepulchral function, placed on a coffin or above an epitaph. Its placement on a silk cushion and the presence of seals likely indicate a family and sentimental character. The panoplies resemble compositions known from gorgets of the Bar Confederation era. This may suggest that the person with the initials “P. J.” was a participant. Little is known about the object's origin; it was reportedly owned by a monk from Greater Poland.
Portrait of a nobleman (Sarmacki portrait), oil on canvas, Poland, 18th century.
The portrait, originally rectangular and later cut down to an oval and relined, depicts an elderly man in noble (szlachecki) attire characteristic of the 18th century. The figure is shown half-length, facing frontally with a slight turn of the torso and one hand resting on the hip, which lends the composition a sense of dignity and static elegance.
The face, with mature features such as a high forehead, short, thinning grey hair, and subtle wrinkles — is rendered realistically, with attention to individual physiognomic traits. The gaze is calm and restrained, conveying charisma and composure, as well as an established social standing. This is further emphasized by the impressive noble (szlachecki) attire: a żupan embroidered with gold thread, a dark blue kontusz lined with red fabric, fastened with large gold buttons, and a wide, light-colored sash tied around the hips.
The painting is an excellent example of the so-called “Sarmacki portrait”, emphasizing social class affiliation, wealth, and official position. It stands out for its solid artistic craftsmanship, naturalistic treatment, and the mature age of the sitter.