Illumination of the "Kremser Schmidt" paintings in Wösendorf parish church

High altar painting by “Kremser Schmidt” in Wösendorf parish church. © Katharina Mahel
High altar painting by “Kremser Schmidt” in Wösendorf parish church. © Katharina Mahel

In a time when churches are being used less and less as places of worship, adapting them into places of culture and retreat is becoming increasingly important. To mark the 300th anniversary of the painter "Kremser Schmidt", his paintings in Wösendorf parish church were lavishly restored. In order to be able to protect the paintings better for future generations and to make their contents easier to see, a new LED lighting system should be installed.

The high altar painting and the upper altarpiece of Wösendorf parish church were in a very poor state. One reason for this was the outdated lighting. Having undergone an expensive restoration, the paintings will be conserved and should be brought to life with suitable lighting.

Owing to the secularisation of society, the population’s interest in religious services is on the decline, but not its interest in houses of god as places of retreat and prayer. People also continue to delight in the beauty of art and culture. Good lighting which places the art treasures in the right light, in this case the “Kremser Schmidt” paintings, is therefore essential for guided tours in the future.

Discussed in the project selection committee: 17.09.2018
Project promoter: Pfarre Wösendorf in der Wachau
Funding level: 70%
Project duration: 25.09.2018 – 01.04.2019
Supported by the federal government, the federal province and the European Union (LEADER).