A celebrated yet long-abandoned sculptural project is on the verge of being brought back to life, according to Polish Daily Gazeta Wyborcza. The revival of the turn of the century 'Procession of Kings' is being championed by President of Cracow Jacek Majchrowski and Oscar-winning film director Andrzej Wajda. The latter described the sculpture, which already exists in model form, as 'one of the most wonderful artistic projects to have arisen in Poland.'
The idea to create a bronze procession of Kings first arose during the restoration of Wawel Castle one hundred years ago. All kinds of projects were being bandied about, many of which never saw the light of day.
For many years Wawel had been reduced to the status of a military barracks owing to the partitions of Poland by Russia, Prussia and Austria. Cracow eventually fell to the Austrians, but during the twilight of Habsburg rule, the Poles were given autonomy.
Waclaw Szymanowski's fluid sculpture was designed to crown the gateway into the courtyard of the Royal Castle. However, this would have involved the demolition of some nineteenth century extensions, and although a model was built, the project fell by the wayside.
The sculpture was intended to stretch to over 30 metres in length and 3 metres in height. The beauty of the design is exceptional, with a parade of Poland's monarchs sweeping over the gateway like an apparition.
By coincidence, the magnificent scale model is now on show at the excellent exhibition 'Wawel Restored' at the Royal Castle. It's well worth dropping by.
Due to the recurrent problem of demolition, the reborn sculpture will not be given the platform that was originally intended for it. An alternative site is being considered in the vicinity of the now non-existent Royal stables, just south of the entrance to the courtyard.
|