dr Tomasz Zawadzki

Section 27.: Ways of manifesting secular and ecclesiastical power in medieval sources

The tombstone currently located in the town hall in Lwówek is one of the most exquisite and mysterious medieval examples of sepulchral art in Silesia. It depicts a couple, a man and a woman, holding hands in a gesture of marital love. For many years, researchers have wondered who this monument represents. Various proposals have been made, but today the dominant view is that the tombstone belonged to Henry of Jawor (1312-1346) and his wife Agnes, daughter of King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia. This view, however, remains speculative. By examining the ways power is manifested in the heraldry and sphragistics of Henry and his family, my paper will present evidence that the plate belonged to him. I will also attempt to answer why the Duke of Jawor was buried in Lwówek.