Our exhibition presents sculptures, paintings and objects of decorative art present in Gdańsk from the early 13th century until the second half of the 18th century. Particular focus has been placed on the function they served in the life of Gdańsk citizens of the past. The exhibition is accordingly divided into three zones: the first presents church art, the second – works related to the public activity of burghers, while the third – objects filling the private space of Gdańsk houses. 

As a part of the exhibition, a division into two epochs -the Middle Ages and the early modern period – is also significant. The border between them is marked by the Reformation – one of the most significant phenomena in the history of Europe, including Gdańsk. In the space of the exhibition, both epochs are symbolically divided by a portal from St. Catherine’s church. 

In the life of medieval communities, religion took the central place. Piety was manifested in a variety of ways. Apart from participation in church services, it was also expressed by fasting, pilgrimages, practicing of good deeds, but also numerous artistic foundations. A special role was played by painted or sculpted altar­ pieces placed on the altar. It was around the Eucharis­ tic table that the religious life of the community was centred. Hence the presence of numerous altarpieces and their fragments in the exhibition. 

In early modern – i.e. already Protestant – Gdańsk, religion was still very significant in social life. However, forms of devotion changed -they became much simpler than Catholic ones. This was also expressed in the works of art that were created at the time. 

At the same time, people eagerly reached for the antique philosophy of the Stoics, who indicated that only a virtuous life was valuable. Hence, people tried to care for a specific set of virtues in private and public life, and their images decorated the city gates, the seats of authorities and the private houses of burghers. 

In the hands of representatives of the upper reaches of rich burghers, who ruled the city, works of art thus became tools, through which they expressed the moral, political, social and religious messages that were most important to them. 

The exhibition shows citizens of Gdańsk as they wanted to be seen – as pious Christians and virtuous members of the civic community. Were they really like that? Works of art do not provide a clear answer to this question. However, they help us understand the world of the people who lived in Gdańsk before us.