Knivsta / Knifsta

Main image for Knivsta / Knifsta

Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023

CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

Results: 23 records

LBF01: cleric - bishop

Bishop seated, enthroned, head is broken off; chair has an ornate back,unlike the Gotland chairs; right hand raised in benediction gesture, left hand holds a book in left knee.
Scene Description: Bishop seated, enthroned, head is broken off; chair has an ornate back,unlike the Gotland chairs; right hand raised in benediction gesture, left hand holds a book in left knee.
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

LBF02: Old Testament - Abraham as father of all believers - Father Abraham with the souls

Father Abraham. Holds five souls, in his lap, sits in a high back chair - unlike the Gotland fonts, full beard, oriental beard.
Scene Description: Father Abraham. Holds five souls, in his lap, sits in a high back chair - unlike the Gotland fonts, full beard, oriental beard.
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 30 April 1993 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

LBF03: Apostle or saint - Apostles - St. Peter - holding 2 keys

St.Peter holds two keys to his chest with his left hand - the keys have a swastika design inside
Scene Description: St.Peter holds two keys to his chest with his left hand - the keys have a swastika design inside
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

LBF04: New Testament - Virgin Mary - Madonna with Christ-child

Madonna and Child. Madonna full frontal, face broken off; there is no halo, she has braids, the child sits on her lap, full frontal (check to see if there really are braids: yes, one to each side). Halo with cross on child, the right hand is raised to mother's shoulder in benediction, the left hand rests on a book on his left knee, she wears shoes, he does not. She holds him by the waist.
Scene Description: Madonna and Child. Madonna full frontal, face broken off; there is no halo, she has braids, the child sits on her lap, full frontal (check to see if there really are braids: yes, one to each side). Halo with cross on child, the right hand is raised to mother's shoulder in benediction, the left hand rests on a book on his left knee, she wears shoes, he does not. She holds him by the waist.
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

LBS01: New Testament - Childhood and youth of Christ - three Wise Men - the three Wise Men are warned in a dream by an angel not to return to Herod

The side of the base, Dream of the Magi.(between Madonna to left, and Bishop to the right) Three heads to the left, crowned; two have long oriental beard, a youthful magus in the middle; their right arms stick out of the blankets; angel above, haloed, no cloud, the right hand points to kings, and the left hand holds mantel.
Scene Description: The side of the base, Dream of the Magi.(between Madonna to left, and Bishop to the right) Three heads to the left, crowned; two have long oriental beard, a youthful magus in the middle; their right arms stick out of the blankets; angel above, haloed, no cloud, the right hand points to kings, and the left hand holds mantel.
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

LBS02: New Testament - Childhood and youth of Christ - three Wise Men - adoration of the kings

First of three magi, crowned, bearded, walking in profile to the righ -- seen here to the left of the Madonna and Child
Scene Description: First of three magi, crowned, bearded, walking in profile to the righ -- seen here to the left of the Madonna and Child
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

LBS03: New Testament - Childhood and youth of Christ - three Wise Men - adoration of the kings

Second king, crowned, identical to previous one except it has no beard, and the gift he holds is donut-shaped -- seen here between Abraham (left) and Peter (right)
Scene Description: Second king, crowned, identical to previous one except it has no beard, and the gift he holds is donut-shaped -- seen here between Abraham (left) and Peter (right)
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © [in the public domain]
Image Source: edited detail of a digital photograph taken 22 September 2010 by Ulf Klingström (Ulkl) [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knivsta_kyrka_int07.jpg] [accessed 26 December 2014]
Copyright Instructions: PD-Self

LBS04: New Testament - Childhood and youth of Christ - three Wise Men - adoration of the kings

The last king, same as first, with oriental beard -- seen here to the left of Abraham
Scene Description: The last king, same as first, with oriental beard -- seen here to the left of Abraham
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 30 April 1993 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of font - detail

the re-designed font using the old base -- the Dream of the Magi scene between the enthorned Madonna and Child, at the left corner, and the seated Bishop, at the right corner
Scene Description: the re-designed font using the old base -- the Dream of the Magi scene between the enthorned Madonna and Child, at the left corner, and the seated Bishop, at the right corner
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 30 April 1993 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of font - detail

the re-designed font using the old base -- Peter charged with the keys at the centre; two of the Magi on the sides; Father Abraham at the far left corner; the Madonna and Child at the far right corner
Scene Description: the re-designed font using the old base -- Peter charged with the keys at the centre; two of the Magi on the sides; Father Abraham at the far left corner; the Madonna and Child at the far right corner
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 30 April 1993 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of church exterior - bell-cote

the detached bell tower
Scene Description: the detached bell tower
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © [in the public domain]
Image Source: digital photograph taken 22 September 2010 by Ulf Klingström (Ulkl) [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knivsta_kyrka_ext10.jpg] [accessed 26 December 2014]
Copyright Instructions: PD-Self

view of church exterior - southwest view

the detached bell-cote is visible at the back, to the north of the church building
Scene Description: the detached bell-cote is visible at the back, to the north of the church building
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © [in the public domain]
Image Source: digital photograph taken 22 September 2010 by Ulf Klingström (Ulkl) [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knivsta_kyrka_ext05.jpg] [accessed 26 December 2014]
Copyright Instructions: PD-Self

view of font in context

the re-designed font using the old base in the context of the church interior
Scene Description: the re-designed font using the old base in the context of the church interior
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 30 April 1993 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of church interior - chancel and east end

the remaining base of the old baptismal font, mounted on a low pedestal, and supporting a baptismal dish, is visible in the foreground, by the right [south] side of the chancel arch
Scene Description: the remaining base of the old baptismal font, mounted on a low pedestal, and supporting a baptismal dish, is visible in the foreground, by the right [south] side of the chancel arch
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © [in the public domain]
Image Source: digital photograph taken 22 September 2010 by Ulf Klingström (Ulkl) [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knivsta_kyrka_int02.jpg] [accessed 26 December 2014]
Copyright Instructions: PD-Self

view of font base - upper view - detail

showing the damage to the top of the base, to the patterned centre ring between two of the human heads
Scene Description: showing the damage to the top of the base, to the patterned centre ring between two of the human heads
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of font base - upper view

a top view of the surviving lower base of the font; the large hole in the centre was part of the drainage system, but the four pins are modern and they serve to secure the newly designed wooden block that supports the metal baptismal dish, also modern
Scene Description: a top view of the surviving lower base of the font; the large hole in the centre was part of the drainage system, but the four pins are modern and they serve to secure the newly designed wooden block that supports the metal baptismal dish, also modern
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of base

L->R: Madonna and Child -> Dream of the Magi -> Bishop -> one Magus -> Father Abraham
Scene Description: L->R: Madonna and Child -> Dream of the Magi -> Bishop -> one Magus -> Father Abraham
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of base

L->R: Peter -> one Magus -> Madonna and Child
Scene Description: L->R: Peter -> one Magus -> Madonna and Child
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of base

L->R: Father Abraham -> one Magus -> Peter
Scene Description: L->R: Father Abraham -> one Magus -> Peter
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of a photograph taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

view of base

L->R: Boshop with broken off head -> one Magus -> Father Abraham and the Souls -> another Magus -> Peter
Scene Description: L->R: Boshop with broken off head -> one Magus -> Father Abraham and the Souls -> another Magus -> Peter

design element - motifs - roll moulding - patterned - reticular

notice the substantial damage between the heads of Abraham (left) and Peter (right)
Scene Description: notice the substantial damage between the heads of Abraham (left) and Peter (right)
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © [in the public domain]
Image Source: edited detail of a digital photograph taken 22 September 2010 by Ulf Klingström (Ulkl) [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knivsta_kyrka_int07.jpg] [accessed 26 December 2014]
Copyright Instructions: PD-Self

view of base

as set up in the chancel of the old church in 2010
Scene Description: as set up in the chancel of the old church in 2010
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © [in the public domain]
Image Source: digital photograph taken 22 September 2010 by Ulf Klingström (Ulkl) [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knivsta_kyrka_int07.jpg] [accessed 26 December 2014]
Copyright Instructions: PD-Self

information

Font image
Copyright Statement: Image copyright © Baptisteria Sacra Index, 2023
Image Source: digital image of field notes taken 12 June 1997 by BSI
Copyright Instructions: CC-BY-NC-ND-4.0

INFORMATION

Font ID: 00054KNI
Object Type: Baptismal Font1, base only
Date Visited: 1997-06-12; 1993-04-30
Font Century and Period/Style: 12th - 13th century [base only], Medieval / composite
Workshop/Group/Artisan: Sighraf / Sighrafr / Sigraf
Cognate Fonts: a somewhat similar base on the font at Lau
Church / Chapel Name: Knivsta Gamla Kyrka / Sankt Stefans kyrkan
Font Location in Church: The base of the font is in the chancel, S side
Church Patron Saint(s): St. Stephen
Church Notes: original church perhaps earlier; present church ca.1300; contemporary (?) wooden statue of St. Stephen [original at the SHM, Stockholm; replica stands inside the church, to the right of the entranceway] -- mid-15thC mural paintings, Tierpsskolan
Church Address: Forsbyvägen, 741 90 Knivsta, Sweden -- Tel.: +46 18 34 10 40
Site Location: Uppland, Uppsala län, Sweden, Europe
Directions to Site: Located W of highway E4, 19 km SSE of Uppsala, just N of the county border with Stockholm
Ecclesiastic Region: Uppsala Stift
Historical Region: Uppsala län
Additional Comments: altered font (basin disappeared; base re-cycled into a composite font) -- Scenes on sides of base are related to the figures in a strong narrative mode. This must be examined further.
Font Notes:
Base of a baptismal font by master Sighraf described in Utställningen av äldre kyrklig konst i Uppsala 1918: Katalog (1918); made of sandstone and dated to the 12th or 13th century. On-site notes: the basin of this font no longer exists. The base, made of sandstone, is in excellent condition and has been converted to hold a shallow bowl for the baptismal rite. It is ornamented with two Magi scenes (Adoration and Dream) and four corner figures (Bishop, Abraham, Peter, and Madonna nd Child) [cf. Image section for full iconographic program]. The base of the font was throroughly cleaned and re-set on a modern stone base after our 1997 visit [cf. photographs taken in 1993, 1997 and 2010 in the image section]

COORDINATES

UTM: 33V 657420 6622575
Latitude & Longitude (Decimal): 59.71125, 17.798472
Latitude & Longitude (DMS): 59° 42′ 40.5″ N, 17° 47′ 54.5″ E

MEDIUM AND MEASUREMENTS

Material: stone, sandstone
Number of Pieces: one (base only)
Drainage System: centre hole in base
Drainage Notes: The base is hollowed out.
Height of Base: 41 cm* / 43 cm**
Font Height (with Plinth): no plinth
Square Base Dimensions: 48 x 48 cm* / **
Notes on Measurements: * 1918 Katalog / ** BSI on-site [NB: only the base remains]

REFERENCES

  • Utställningen av Äldre kyrklig konst i Uppsala 1918, Uppsala: Appelbergs Bocktryckeri Aktiebolag, 1918, p. 17
  • Pressouyre, Léon, "Sculpture du XIIe siècle à Saint-Hilaire-au-Temple (Marne)", CXXIII, 1965, Bulletin Monumental, 1965, pp. p. 131-134, figs. p. 133; II, p. 22-35
  • Roosval, Johnny, Die Steinmeister Gottlands: Eine Geschichte der führenden Taufsteinwerkstätte des schwedischen Mittlealters, ihre Voraussetzungen und Begleit-Erscheinungen, Stockholm: A.-B. C.E. Fritzes K. Hofbokhandel, 1918, p. 172, 183