Disputa

In March 2011, Corpus Christi Church commissioned renowned art conservator Roman Kujawa to restore its iconic mural above the church altar. This exquisite artwork, which is a signature element of the church interior, is a rendering of a Vatican masterpiece by celebrated, Renaissance painter Raphael Santi. The mural was originally painted in the 1920’s by Marion Rzeznik, in collaboration with Gonippo Raggi, both of whom were considered premier, 20th century artists of ecclesias-tical paintings. This high profile restoration project is nearing completion, and will be officially unveiled with new lighting, and rededicated on Sunday January 8 during the 11:30a.m. Holy Mass. A presentation by Mr. Kujawa on the mural restoration will follow. All are cordially invited to attend.

Mr. Kujawa received his training in art conservation in his native Krakow, Poland, and has a Masters Degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. For the past twenty years, he has restored art treasures in European museums, palaces, and churches, as well as some of the most valuable works of art in public and private collections. In 1995, he restored the gilded crown molding in the Blue Room of the White House.

Mr. Kujawa has been astonished by the magnificence of both Corpus Christi Church and the mural itself, titled “The Disputation of the Blessed Sacrament” (or more commonly known as the Disputà). When asked why this particular mural is of such importance, he cites Pope John Paul II, who referred to Rafael’s painting as the second greatest religious painting of all time, second only to the Sistine Chapel, for its representation of the “Summa Theologica” of the Catholic faith. Mr. Kujawa notes that, “The Corpus Christi Disputà mural is, without question, one of the most significant pieces of ecclesiastical artwork in the United States, and the mural’s epic subject matter represents an important extension of European civilization in the New World.”

In addition, he believes that, “The artistic caliber of Rzeznik’s painting rivals some of the most famous murals in this country, including those in the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Treasury Department.”  [Read more…]