An Exile Painter. A Poetical Encounter with Caravaggio in Rev. Janusz St. Pasierb’s Work

Abstract

Among Rev. Janusz St. Pasierb’s poetical works there are three poems inspired by Caravaggio’s painting. Two of them make up a poetical series whose subject is the painting Beheading of St John the Baptist (Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta). The poet refers to the artist’s biography, and especially to his belligerent way of life, and he analyzes biblical events as well. The architectural space that with its wealth of the interior is contrasted with the harshness of the crime that is being committed, is significant for him. Using the painter’s principle of contrasts the poet shows the situation of the modern man. Poetic reflection is concerned with various aspects of exile: the existential situation of loneliness and the state of sin, the experience of death, penance and conversion.