Page:Cracow - Lepszy.djvu/132

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GOTHIC STYLE IN CRACOW ART
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distinguished by tasteful design and delicate execution. One Reinhardus, appointed Governor of Cracow by King Wenceslaus in 1305, had been minter at Florence. The first Polish gold coins produced under Ladislaus Lokietek were modelled on the fiorino d'oro. The Florentine lily, being equal in signification with that of Anjou, becomes the symbol of our Gothic period. Of all branches of applied art, metallurgy stands foremost. The city records of the time mention a great number of goldsmiths. Besides the native products, there was much jewellery of excellent manufacture brought to Cracow from various parts. Thus,
49. IVORY CASKET IN THE CATHEDRAL TREASURY.
through Queen Hedwig, the treasury of the Cathedral—rich even to-day, though repeatedly plundered—came into possession of a beautiful ivory casket with silver mountings and bas-reliefs of various scenes from romantic legends. Of the same period there is a large golden cross in the same treasury, adorned with gems and niello, small figures of knights at the chase, and animals: it was probably made of two crowns, viz., those of Queen Hedwig and Ladislaus Jagello. The so-called "Cup of Hedwig" must also be mentioned here; it is a cup of yellow glass with silver fittings; the glass is Oriental, but the engraved