Blood Libel Myth
This cathedral contains a series of paintings built into the church's wooden panelling depicting the Martyrologium Romanum. The third painting depicts a scene which it is claimed "...depicts ritual murders committed in Sandomierz by Jews on Christian children. The inscription above the painting reads filius apothecary ab infidelibus judaeis sandomiriensibus occisus (son of an apothecary, by infidel Sandomierz Jews killed)
The church (St Paul's) contains a second series of paintings including one in the chancel depicting the torment of Jerzy Krassowski who was supposedly strangled by Jews.
Discussion on these pictures has taken place with the Polish Jewish Community. "The Polish Council of Christians and Jews has offered to finance a plaque with explanations of the blood libel and information about the official statements by various Popes rejecting the accusation". This proposal has not been accepted and to date the pictures remain in the Cathedral and Church without plaque explaining or contradicting the myths portrayed.
Read more about this topic: Sandomierz, Sandomierz Cathedral and St Paul's Church
Famous quotes containing the words blood, libel and/or myth:
“Irrational streams of blood are staining earth;
Empedocles has thrown all things about;
Hector is dead and there’s a light in Troy;
We that look on but laugh in tragic joy.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“Nor do they trust their tongue alone,
But speak a language of their own;
Can read a nod, a shrug, a look,
Far better than a printed book;
Convey a libel in a frown,
And wink a reputation down.”
—Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)
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To ravage and redeem the world:
There is no bloodless myth will hold.”
—Geoffrey Hill (b. 1932)