Szczerbiec - miecz sprawiedliwości, próba analizy ikonologicznej
The Szczerbiec (Jagged sword) - the sword of justice, an attempt at an iconological analysis

Summary/Abstract: Article presents iconological interpretation of the Szczerbiec (Jagged sword) – coronation sword of the Polish kings. Original function of this sword in moment of making in XIII age, was symbol of the judiciary authority of prince – he was gladius iustitiae – sword of justice. Ceremonial sword link to biblical interpretation of Old and New Testaments, where he is a symbol of authority of prince to performances of judgement over people. Representations on handle of this sword – letter Sigma – beginning of the word Soter – Saviour, joint with crosses: Latin and Tau, and with letters A and Ω, and with Latin inscription: + HEC* FIGURA* VALET* ADAMORCM* REGUM* ET* PRINCIPUM* IRAS* IUDICUM, also refer to this function. On handle appear also representations four Animals from vision of prophet Ezecheiel around Lamb with cross T, and four Animals of Apocalypse around Lamb with Latin cross. These representations, appearing in mediaeval art, connected with Power and Authority: vide recto of so-called Reichskreuz, illustrate right of the rulers to performances the judgement in the name of Christ and on resemblance of Christ. Warn him also before the unjust sentences. Article permits, that Szczerbiec is the sword, which in one’s own symbolical level fits in West-European iconography of the Authority and Power, especially in correspondence with socalled „Theory of two swords”, and is very original in own iconological program.

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