Baroque universalism? (Latin work of Wilhelm Stanihurst’s in its Polish translation by Krzysztof Zawisza)

Abstract

Krzysztof Zawisza’s work on the Passion (1721) gives an impression of being very native, typical of the culture of the Polish nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially on account of two features: sensuality and rhetorical nature. This is a translation of a Latin work by a Jesuit, Gwilhelm Stanihurst. A question might be asked concerning the factors that result in the perception of translation as being so native in the target culture. Another potential question refers to the relations between the culture of the Polish nobility in the 17th and 18th centuries and the European baroque. The application of A. Berman’s method of critical analysis of translation will make the answers to the above questions easier. This method reveals affinities between both texts, i.e. sensuality and rhetorical nature, but also other motivations that are observed in the form of these features. The relation between Stanihurst’s work and St Ignatius de Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises seems to be important. The comparison of the attitude of both authors towards the words of the Bible reveals artistic skills and creativity of the Polish translator. His work can be considered a convincing piece of evidence, or reflection, of certain common features shared by the Polish and European cultures in the baroque era. The influence and significance of the Jesuits at that time seems to be the most important basis for this communion.