Jak číst strop? Možnosti vnímání šablonové malby v prostoru středověkého kostela

This study deals with possibilities of perception and interpretation of late medieval flat wooden ceilings decorated with stencil painting in Central Europe’s churches. Based on historical sources is shown the long tradition of separating the inner space from the roof and also the custom of its decorating. Therefore, the late medieval ceilings can not be considered as an isolated phenomenon, but a manifestation of a long trace. On the examples of until today preserved ceilings is shown the iconographic interpretation of individual motifs and the fact that their meaning can be further varied due to their mutual position or location in the church space. Outlined is also the question of the existence of an overarching iconographic program for the ceiling decoration.