The 14th century Bollnäs Church is a rare medieval church at a latitude over 60º N. The church houses a number of Medieval wooden sculptures.
Bollnäs is located in central Sweden on the shore of Lake Varpen.
Coordinates: 61° 21′ N, 16° 24′ E
The origin of the church is mostly unknown, but there was a wooden church in Bollnäs in the early 1300s. The present day church was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and had later alterations, mainly in the 18th century.
An opening ceremony took place in 1468 led by Bishop Andreas of Linköping, as a titular (the last) bishop of Greenland.
Three significant works of art from the late 15th century or early 16th century, are the high altar, the great altar tryptich and the Maria altar cabinet, considered to be Haken Gulleson's most impressive artwork from the time (ca. 1520).
The high altar tryptich
Manufactured in Stockholm by Jordan Painter, this work is recognized by the style. It was most likely made for the inauguration of the church in 1468.
The doors of the cabinet have beautiful paintings on the outside. On the inside of the doors are the apostles depicted with their attributes.
Little Madonna of Bollnäs
Haaken Gulleson was a Swedish painter and workshop leader in the early 16th century. He worked mostly polychrome painted wood carvings.
She wears the crown as Queen of Heaven, and on her left arm she carries the infant with a book.
She is a typical Gulleson work, with her heavy eyelids and bully cheeks and pink on cheeks, chin and nostrils.
Indeed, a northern treasure in a remote country.
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A book:
"Medeltida träskulptur från Bollnäs kyrka"
