Art and Mysticism in Silesia in the Baroque Period

Angelus Silesius, Bernhard Rosa, and Michael Willmann

By (author) Andrzej Kozieł Series edited by Rajmund Pietkiewicz Series edited by Piotr Burgoński

Book cover: Art and Mysticism in Silesia in the Baroque Period

Extent: 552 pages

Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht

Subjects: Art & Art History, Early Modern & Renaissance Studies, Religious Studies

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(April 2025)

ISBN: 9783525500873

6.3 x 9.25 inches

Price: $163.00

In stock

Andrzej Koziel shows the original mystical devotional initiatives of counter-reformational character and the associated art projects which were created thanks to the great Silesian poet and theologian, Johannes Scheffler, also known as Angelus Silesius, abbot of the Cistercian Monastery in Krzeszow and the mystic Bernhard Rosa, as well as the most prominent Silesian Baroque artist Michael Willmann with whom they cooperated. Koziel offers the first attempt at describing the relationship between art and mysticism – the issue important not only for the early modern Silesian culture but also for the culture of many other countries of Christian Europe.


This volume deals with original mystical initiatives and related artistic realizations, which were created in the circle of the outstanding Silesian poet and theologian, Johannes Scheffler, known as Angelus Silesius, abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Krzeszow, Bernhard Rosa and the most outstanding Silesian artist, Michael Willmann. Although the 17th century Silesian mysticism is now very popular worldwide, we know very little about the relationship between mysticism and art in former Silesia. This issue has never been the subject of a comprehensive study. It is not surprising, therefore, that the research so far overlooked the unusual and unique joint initiative mentioned above by two outstanding Silesian mystics and the best Silesian artist of the Baroque era. Its aim was to combine elements of mystical experience with various forms of mass piety of a counter-Reformation nature. Importantly, all forms of mass mystical piety were closely linked to the use of devotional works of art, which were designed primarily by Michael Willmann. They became the most popular images in the religious culture of Silesia until the end of the 18th century. Just as the literary and philosophical achievements of Silesian mystics led by Angelus Silesius, so also works of art serving mystical piety, which were created by Willmann, we can safely consider as a kind of event and an important contribution of Silesia to the culture of European Baroque.

  • By (author) Andrzej KozieÅ‚
  • Series edited by Rajmund Pietkiewicz
  • Series edited by Piotr BurgoÅ„ski