God the father - Arise, Stained glass window in Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Kraków, Poland
God the Father - Arise is a stained glass window in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Kraków that depicts an elderly figure with a white beard, raising one hand above his head while pointing downward toward Earth. Colored glass segments are arranged in geometric patterns that create shifting visual effects as natural light changes throughout the day.
Polish artist Stanisław Wyspiański created this stained glass work in 1904 as part of his major design contributions to the Franciscan church in Kraków. The piece emerged during a period when artistic renewal and religious imagery converged in Polish art.
The window depicts the biblical creation story, showing God bringing forth the heavens, earth, and all living things. This religious scene reflects how people of that era understood divine power through visual art.
The window is located inside the church and is best viewed during morning hours when light illuminates the glass patterns most clearly. Visitors should move slowly through the interior to appreciate the shifting effects from different angles and times of day.
Wyspiański blended modern artistic techniques with traditional religious imagery, allowing him to move contemporary viewers while preserving ancient meaning. This bridge between old and new made his work particularly influential for artists who came later.
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