3-068-946 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Coffin Portrait of Adam Wezyk (1608-1668), c1668. Additional Info: This coffin portrait, whose characteristic hexagonal shape corresponds to the cross-section of the coffin, depicts Adam Wezyk from Wola Wezykowa near Sieradz. We know nothing about the deceased and his life beyond what was written for posterity on the portrait itself. The Latin inscription under the coats of arms indicates that Wezyk died precisely on 12 June 1668 at the age of 60. The inscription on the back of the portrait sheet provides a more detailed description of his death. It says about a crime from centuries ago Wezyk was killed at night by two assailants, who probably came through the window. The brother of the murdered tried to find the perpetrators, who were then severely punished: their hands and heads were cut off, and their bodies were quartered.