How did a replica of a painting become a venerated object in Vienna? You might ask. Well, look no further than the Filialkirche Mariahilf right here in front of us. The Filialkirche Mariahilf, originally a humble cemetery chapel, houses a replica of the “Mariahilf” image. This image, a copy of the one in Innsbruck, which itself is a copy of the original by Lucas Cranach the Elder, depicts Mary in Byzantine style. Donated in 1660, the image surprisingly became a magnet for pilgrims, leading to the chapel’s expansion into the church we see today. This influx of pilgrims even caught the attention of Empress Maria Theresa, who, seeking divine intervention, made a pilgrimage to the Filialkirche Mariahilf. Records tell us she spent fifteen minutes prostrate in prayer during three consecutive masses! Today, the Filialkirche Mariahilf stands as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring allure of religious icons, even those that are replicas. It reminds us that the essence of belief often transcends the tangible, drawing strength from devotion and shared history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to