St. Martin and St. Nicholas Cathedral in Bydgoszcz

The most noteworthy work of art is the painting of Our Lady of Beautiful Love (the name given by the cardinal Stefan Wyszyński during coronation ceremony for the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland) which is famous for miracles. The work was created almost 550 years ago and it shows the Mother of God with the Child who is holding a rose. The anonymous artist was presumably educated in a school in Western Europe. His perfect technique is visible in the style and masterful realization of the painting.

The painting of Madonna with a Rose is a votive offering donated when the war between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order called the Thirteen Years’ War (1454-1466) finished. Its creation is connected with the desired time of peace after a long and devastating conflict which the people from the region of Bydgoszcz fell victim to. It is thought that the foundation of the votive painting can be linked to the king Casimir Jagiellon who was a frequent guest in the town at the time.

Extraordinary experiences of the faithful in connection with the painting caused it to be known as “miraculous” and “benevolent”. Due to the painting the onetime parish church has played the role of a local sanctuary since the 17th century. A papal indulgence in the intention of the deliverance of purgatory souls has been linked with the painting since the end of the 17th century.

The painting of Madonna is considered as one of the most beautiful images of the Mother of God – full of grace, subtle, delicate, who is tenderly holding symbols of love: a red rose and small Christ who is the evidence of God’s love toward people.

By Madonna’s feet there is an anonymous figure of the founder who hasn’t been clearly identified. According to the custom, the hierarchical proportion was used for the depiction of the figures: the size relates to the figures’ importance.

The pipe-organs were created in 1907 in the workshop of an organ builder Paul Volkner. Volkner inherited the workshop, established in the middle of the 19th century, from his father. In his works we can find “the divine spark” which shows itself in sounds as well as in the material form of the cathedral’s instrument. It possesses a unique quality of sound and is an interesting example of the romantic organ building style. Volkner used the then technological innovations thanks to which the sound of the organs imitated the instruments from an orchestra, was more complete, soft and warm.

The musical gallery with the organs is also a work of art. It was decorated with sculptures of angels playing the instruments – trumpets, violins and harps. In the central part there is a cartouche which reads: “Praise the Lord my children, Praise His name! 1923”.