The space next to the treasure

In the space brought to the Town Hall tower, sculptures from the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw can be admired. There are three works by Xawery Dunikowski: Portrait of Kazimierz Kaminski, Bust of Professor Zygmunt Zaleski and Dante, as well as Iridion by Henryk Kuna and Olga Boznańska created by Ludwik Puget.

The bust of Dante Alighieri, famous author of The Divine Comedy, depicts the poet in simplified period costume, in an expressive and interesting composition. The sculpture impresses with its synthetic form, drawing attention to the model's profile and entwined hands.

The depiction of Olga Boznańska, the eminent Polish painter, who has her paintings on display in the adjoining gallery room, also attracts unusual attention. Her sculpture has a synthetic form with rhythmically arranged folds of her dress. The light that falls on the textured planes of the pedestal emphasises the traces of the sculpting tools used by Puget, adding to the majestic character of this small sculpture.

The bust of Irydion, the hero of Zygmunt Krasiński's drama, is expressive and powerful. It depicts the fall of old Rome and the struggle of an oppressed nation. In Irydion's rebellion one can see allusions to the November Uprising and an analysis of the causes of the fall of the Roman empire, which may be a reference to European relations at the time.

Two sculptures by Xawery Dunikowski, presented in this part of the gallery, depict Zygmunt Wacław Michał Lubicz-Zaleski, a Polish literary historian, and Kazimierz Kamiński, an actor and director. In both cases, Dunikowski skilfully rendered the individual character of these figures, faithfully adhering to proportions and details.

 Finally, take a peek out of the window - this building of exceptional beauty is the Tenement House under the Star - a branch of our museum, where we invite you on a unique adventure of viewing Far Eastern art.