Saint Eligius (ca. 588-660)
Painting from the Krakow Guild of Goldsmiths’ Chapel, dedicated to St Eligius – situated in the Monastery of the Franciscan Friars in Krakow
Saints Eligius, a bishop of Noyon Tournai and a patron saint of goldsmiths and jewellers, was born about 588 in Chaptelet, France. Encouraged by his father, a goldsmith, he learned the craft in Limoges in the famous workshop of the Master Abbo. He then went to Paris where, thanks to his talent, he gradually started producing works commissioned by the royal court. He became a wealthy man but devoted a part of his wealth to help for the poor and for the redemption of slaves. Eventually, he decided to cease a secular life. In 641 he was consecrated a bishop. He died in 660 and the day of his death (1 December) is goldsmiths’ and jewellers’ day.
1732 (?), frame: second half of the 19th century, Krakow
Oil on wooden board
Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, ref. no 618/II/2