Wizerunki Mikołaja Kopernika w polskiej sztuce na emigracji — w pięćsetną rocznicę urodzin astronoma
Depictions of Nicolaus Copernicus in Polish Emigration Art: On The 500th Anniversary of the Astronomer’s Birth

Summary/Abstract: This study is the first attempt in Polish literature to indicate the most important artistic (visual arts and architectural) initiatives carried out in Polish emigration communities (diasporas) in European and non-European countries in connection with the 500th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus celebrated in 1973. That anniversary provided an opportunity for Polish communities abroad to manifest, in the countries of Polish settlement, the importance of the contribution of Polish scholar to the world of science. Initiatives to raise funds and then ceremonially unveil monuments (or plaques) dedicated to Copernicus (e.g. in the USA, Brazil, Argentina or Mexico) were undertaken primarily by associations, societies and organisations of the Polish community abroad. Polish communities/diasporas aroused interest in Copernican themes among the most important Polish artists in exile, such as Stefan Knapp (United Kingdom), Stanisław Szukalski (USA) and Leon Piesowocki (France), whose works are included in the illustrative section. This study is not exhaustive — for a full panorama, description and analysis of the artistic works related to the theme of Copernicus created on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the astronomer’s birth in exile in 1973, detailed archival research is needed in situ, in the collections and archives of Polish émigré organisations, associations and societies, scattered in many countries around the world.

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