Unveiling Ars Moriendi: The Art of Dying Exhibition at Loreta Prague's Crypts

This exhibition, held in the Loretan Crypts from May 4 to November 30, 2012, delves into the Baroque concept of 'Ars Moriendi' – the art of dying. It showcases unique Baroque mural paintings discovered in the crypt, depicting motifs of death, resurrection, and the transience of human existence.

The exhibition 'Ars Moriendi – The Art of Dying' took place in the Loretan Crypts from May 4th to November 30th, 2012, offering a profound look at the inner grasp of the end of human existence as a gateway to eternal life. A central focus is the introduction of the previously unknown crypt space beneath the church of the Nativity of Our Lord. This fascinating discovery yielded unique Baroque mural paintings created in 1664, characterized by exceptional quality and the chiaroscuro technique using only black and grey shades. These frescos depict allegories of Time, symbols of human fragility, and themes of Death and Resurrection. The main scene, 'The Raising of Lazarus,' is notably based on a Rembrandt etching, representing an early response to the artist's work. Due to the sensitive nature of the crypt space, visitors experience a three-dimensional model of the crypt, accompanied by a documentary film about its opening. The exhibition also features photographs and documentation of the restoration work. Further exhibits explore Loreto's burial practices, including the design of a Castrum Doloris from 1698, a collection of Baroque funerary textiles, and reliquary crosses from the Loreto treasure. Additionally, the exhibition showcases borrowed Baroque coffin lids from Brno and two Baroque Franciscan convent mortuaries, broadening the understanding of the order's funerary spirituality.

The page does not provide specific ticketing information for this past exhibition, but it mentions that the exhibition catalogue is available, including an English version.