Baptism Font - St Petri kirke - Stavanger, Norway - Wooden Church Artefacts on Waymarking.com

The baptismal font in St. Petri Church, Stavanger, is crafted from wood, which is an unusual choice for such religious objects, as they are often made from stone or metal. This wooden font is a masterpiece of ecclesiastical craftsmanship, dating from the church’s major renovations in the 19th century, possibly around the time when the church's interior was modernized following its original construction in 1866.

The most distinctive feature of the font is the angel that kneels beneath the basin, supporting it with arms raised high. The angel’s finely carved wooden robes cascade in flowing, intricate folds, creating a lifelike and serene figure. The facial expression of the angel reflects calm and reverence, further emphasizing the sacred nature of baptism. This representation not only serves a decorative purpose but also conveys spiritual symbolism: the angel bearing the weight of the baptismal basin may represent the support of divine grace in the sacrament of baptism.

Historically, wooden fonts are rare, especially in Norway, where more durable materials like stone are preferred due to the region's climate. However, the craftsmanship of this piece suggests it was part of the broader artistic revival of the 19th century, where wood carving in church art saw a resurgence. This was also in keeping with the Gothic Revival movement that influenced many of Norway’s churches, including St. Petri, which was designed by Conrad Fredrik von der Lippe, a key architect of the period.

St. Petri Church underwent several renovations over the years, and it’s likely that this font, along with other interior details, was added during the late 19th century, in line with the Gothic Revival’s emphasis on religious symbolism and decoration. The font’s design, with the angel lifting the basin, is a reminder of the significance of baptism in Christian doctrine and adds a deeply spiritual element to the church’s interior.

This remarkable wooden font continues to serve the congregation today, linking centuries of religious practice with the present.

Approximate age of artefact (Year): 1866 Times available for viewing: Daytime hours Relevant website: Not listed Entrance fee (if applicable), local currency: Not listed

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