Museum : National Archaeological Museum – Cividale
location : Piazza Duomo, 13, 33043 Cividale del Friuli UD, Italy
Coordinates : 46.0934°N 13.4322°E
Website: http://www.museoarcheologicocividale.beniculturali.it/
E.mail: museoarcheocividale@beniculturali.it
About the museum :
It was founded by count Michele della Torre Valsassina at the Palais de Nordis in 1817.
Main exhibit of this museum: Baptismal font
Having a word font in the exhibit name, I would forewarn you that it is not a font like Times New Roman or Century Gothic font. When we talk about a baptismal font, it is a natural stone. From referring to books and some articles, I was enlightened about the fact that a baptismal font is not a fancy script or style or writing. It’s a piece of furniture from the frame of reference of the Christian context.
Historical connotation: Specifically, the baptismal font is the container in which water is detained for a Baptism. A Baptism one of the most important rituals in Christian churches. Baptism signifies the washing away of sins and integration into the Christian Church. It marks a forgiving of past indiscretions through faith in Christ. When we classically think of text or font, we use it to write stuff down. However, it is fascinating to know that the baptismal font is used to erase our sins and absolve us of them. According to general law, every parish church must have a baptismal font.
About the carver:
Being a Romanesque stone sculptor, Sigraf was mostly active as a sculptor of baptismal fonts. Apart from this, he also carved upon reliquaries, carved pillars, and reliefs. He was one of the most industrious stone sculptors (and the creator of 23 baptismal fonts ) among the group of sculptors in the area of Gotland.
Being one of the key components for a Baptism, a Baptismal font is quite the symbol of religion and is housed in museums such as the main exhibit of this museum
