Author: Maksymilian Biskupski (born 1958, Warsaw)
Bronze, contemporary cast
signed on the back on the lower right: MAX. BISKUPSKI
property of the DPT in Radziejowice, inv. no. 516/OT-12/2018
purchased from the artist (2018)
unveiled during an artistic evening on 4th of May 2018
The sculpture portrays the likeness of Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872), a remarkable polish composer, conductor, pedagogue, and “the father of Polish national opera” with famous Halka and The Haunted Manor operas, author of two hundred “for the comfort of hearts” songs “to hearten the nation” published in songbooks titled Śpiewnik Domowy (Home Songbook), and many pieces of religious music and lesser known chamber, ballet, piano, and organ compositions.
A long bust, cropped at the shoulders and seen frontally portrays a dignified man with head slightly tilted and turned to the left. His short hair is neatly combed back, rendered with short lines, revealing a high forehead. Under drawn-together eyebrows, pince-nez resting high on a slender nose slightly obscure his scrutinising eyes. Deep contemplation is emphasised by the expression of his tightly pursed lips above a slightly receding chin. A short, well-groomed beard softens the outline of his jawline. The head emerges from the widely opened lapels of a frock coat, modelled with softly defined, smoothed planes, at the opening over the shirt’s bodice, a characteristic bow tie is visible. The sculpture is distinguished by smooth, seamlessly interpenetrating polished forms. The back is broken up by a clearly defined modelling of chisel marks.
Text: Elżbieta Charazińska
Editing: Beata Fiugajska
Photo: Piotr Ligier