The Oldest From the Oldests

The oldest known painted beehive frontal panel

Painted beehive panel. Motif: Pilgrim Mary (1758)Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica

Pilgrim Mary | Dated 1758

From the 18th and first decades of the 19th century, we know mostly religious motifs of painted beehive frontal panel, of which Mary, as the universal patroness, is most often depicted.

The figure is typically triangular, with a wide spread dress, that is barely visible in the lower part.

It is the oldest known beehive frontal panel.

This example of Slovenian folk art belongs to the post-Baroque painting tradition of the first group of painters, among religious motifs.

Credits: Story

This story is based on the book 'Living Together. About Bees and Mankind' by Dr. Petra Bole.

🔎 Learn more about Radovljica Municipality Museums' Museum of Apiculture on our website

🖋 Text: Dr. Petra Bole  | 📸 Photography: Ivan Esenko




Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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