Antiquity is not a closed chapter. It is the foundation of our identity—often unacknowledged, yet deeply rooted. To understand it is to better understand ourselves. Visit the exhibition that explores how classical ideals shaped Polish culture and artistic education in the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover original ancient sculptures alongside historic marble and plaster copies, including surviving relics from the impressive collection of King Stanisław August.

In the second half of the 18th century, antiquity became the key point of reference for artists. This trend, known as classicism, originated in Italy but reached the lands of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth as well. Its main Polish center was the Royal Castle in Warsaw. It was thanks to King Stanisław August—an ardent admirer of antiquity and a generous patron of the arts—that this style, striving for harmony, perfection of form, and timeless beauty, flourished locally.

The King’s unfulfilled dream was to establish an Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. With this goal in mind, he began collecting plaster casts of ancient masterpieces. His collection grew to over 500 pieces, making it one of the largest in Europe. Most were destroyed during World War II, but some have survived—and are on view in the exhibition.

The exhibition is available at the Royal Library from June 13 to September 21, 2025.

Read more: https://www.zamek-krolewski.pl/en/aktualnosc/2565-anatomy-antiquity-body-and-movement-sculpture