An Analysis of Kata Bethlen’s Donations in Fogaras

Bethlen Kata fogarasi adományainak elemzése

Abstract

This paper offers a reconstruction of the context of Kata Bethlen’s donations in Fogaras, indicating the significance of these textiles in the given setting. The donation of bridal wraps and wedding dresses cannot be regarded as a conventional practice in Calvinist church support, however, this particular patron had a communion table cloth and a pulpit cover made from her own skirt. Such a change of context, and the recycling of the material also transformed the interpretation associated with the textiles, the readability of the signs. The colours and patterns, and the ever so different new functions of the threadwork appearing in significant points of the sacral space enable and encourage the production of new meanings, as the appearing motifs are closely connected to the Christian tradition. Fogaras also plays a key role in the donation, as it was in high esteem in terms of church support by princesses and noble patrons. The textiles of Kata Bethlen expressed belonging to a community, but also contributed to and shaped her self-representation.