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Another exceptional masterpiece of art - the Raphail cross
a real wonder of late middle ages woodcraft.
Visitors of the monastery museum always halt
and gaze in delight at this monastery wonder.
The cross is made of a single piece of boxwood.
For 12 years monk Raphail had been working on it
Even today with all modern woodcarving instruments
we are stunned by this creation.
The artist had carved 36 religious episodes
and more than 600 tiny figures over it.
Imagine - all this on one wooden cross 81 by 43 cm.
The cross had been finished in 1802
but Raphail was not able to enjoy seeing it for long.
Endless staring and carving of tiny details
gradually damaged his sight and in the end he became blind.
Stand in front of the cross and close your eyes.
Try to imagine it in your mind.
Bent over his carving in a narrow dark cell
day after day, night after day, months, years.