Zachowane baldachimy procesyjne na terenie Małopolski z wieku XVII i XVIII
Processional Canopies from the 17th and 18th Centuries Preserved on the Area of Lesser Poland

Summary/Abstract: During 17th and 18th centuries processional canopies took a form of a decorative canopy usually made of fabric stretched on a frame, attached to ornamental poles. As a result, this construction enabled people to carry those canopies. First of all, processional canopies were used during theophoric processions. Such canopies were usually made of non-durable materials, and, therefore, only a few of them are still preserved. Based on information provided in various archival sources as well as remaining examples of processional canopies, one can divide them, due to their shape, into two types. The first type that is also the most numerous are canopies with a wooden or metal frame on a rectangular projection that is close to the square, with two or four poles. The second type are oval canopies in the shape of an umbrella, set on single poles, with an example of the 18th-century canopy in Bielany near Kęty. In both types, the most important decorative element was fabric stretched on a frame that formed an inside ceiling of a canopy as well as its top, also forming its sides with a frill or pelmet. Generally, the inside ceiling and the top of the canopy were made of two different kinds of fabrics. The top of the canopy was usually flat, but there were examples of more dynamic forms, e.g. a canopy from the 2nd half of 18th century in Kacwina. Also, some decorative elements such as braids, laces, fringes, tapes, embroideries and tassels were used. Canopy poles were carved and painted.

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