Infant Jesus at the Main Square
Location
At the corner of house number 2 on the main square, a wooden statue of the Infant Jesus is positioned beneath a Gothic stone canopy. The Infant Jesus holds an orb (a cross-bearing globe).
Dating
The statue dates from the second quarter of the 16th century.
Historical Background
The sculpture is based on the iconography that highlights the concept of “Saviour of the World“. This type of icon emerged in the late Middle Ages (14th/15th century). Traditionally, Infant Jesus (Child Christ) is shown with his right hand raised in blessing and the left hand holding an orb (a cross-bearing globe). In this variation, it is not the adult Christ but the Child Christ who is depicted as the Redeemer. This specific motif – linking the child figure with the saviour of the world – was especially common in convents and religious communities of women.
The Infant Jesus – Symbolism and Meaning
The Infant Jesus is a central image in Christian tradition, highlighting both Christ’s humanity and divinity, and making him more accessible to the faithful.
A frequent symbol is the orb (globe topped with a cross), representing his rule over the world and role as saviour. This imagery spread widely in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, reflecting deeper personal devotion.
The Infant Jesus appears prominently in Nativity scenes, recalling his humble birth and the hope he brings.
Artistic depictions range from simple carvings to richly adorned works, reflecting diverse periods and styles.
He symbolises innocence, divine authority, and salvation.
The Orb – Meaning and Symbolism
In Christian iconography, the orb is a symbolic object held by the Christ Child, kings, or saints, representing both religious and political authority.
The Christ Child and the Orb
When the Christ Child holds an orb, it is typically a globe surmounted by a cross. An orb is known by its Latin name, globus cruciger (meaning “cross-bearing orb”).
The orb symbolises the following:
– The globe symbolises the world.
– The cross signifies Christ’s rule over creation.
The Orb in Christian Art
The orb represents divine kingship and often appears in images of Jesus as Salvator Mundi (“Saviour of the World”). It is held in the left hand while the right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing.
Historical and Visual Context
Christian rulers used the orb as a sign of God-given power. In Christ’s hand, it affirms divine authority over earthly rule.
Visually, it is a golden sphere topped with a cross, often richly decorated in medieval and Renaissance art.
Historical Photograph
Image Source: Archive of the Municipal Authority of St. Veit an der Glan
Infant Jesus sculpture at the corner of Hauptplatz 2 and Pogatschniggasse
Photograph taken around 1965