Frescoes: St. Barnabas, Vižinada
Under the Venetian rule the Mirna River was an important waterway for the transport of wood from Ćićarija, which was then used for making oars for Venetian galleys.
The engraved inscription below the relief of the Venetian lion on one of the buildings in the square in Vižinada, regulating the wood trade, best speaks of the significance of wood as raw material for Venice.
The Church of St. Barnabas is situated in the town center. Originally it was a double-apsed church, however in the Baroque the apses were pulled down and the church nave was raised. The frescoes were discovered accidentally when the church was used for storing props while shooting the war film Kelley’s Heroes with Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland.
The commonplace iconographic program of the Christological cycle depicts the following scenes: the Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Massacre of the Innocents, Dispute in the Temple, Last Supper, Crucifixion and Resurrection.
In the left part of the western wall the Coronation of the Virgin symbolizes heavenly bliss whereas the suffering in Hell is depicted by hairy devils physically tormenting naked human bodies.
Lively, pastel colors have preserved their original brightness, so that this experience presents a true visual delight. Influences of Emilia painting of the Trecento are visible. However, their clear origins are transformed into folk painting of naive expression. Although the bodies are awkwardly executed, the overall impression of paintings is harmonious.
