POETA I EPOKA – NIEKTÓRE ASPEKTY ŻYCIA I TWÓRCZOŚCI FRANCISZKA KARPIŃSKIEGO (1741–1825)
THE POET AND THE PERIOD – SOME ASPECTS OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF FRANCISZEK KARPIŃSKI (1741–1825)

Summary/Abstract: This work is a survey aimed at filling the research gap, regarding some aspects of life and work of the famous Enlightenment poet. This review signals, though by no means clarifies, issues connected to the poet’s patrons: King Stanisław August Poniatowski and several noble families (the Czartoryski, Sanguszko, Branicki, Ogiński, Radziwiłł). Patronage to a large extent meant Karpiński’s employment as a teacher. The most important place among Karpiński’s patrons was occupied by the King and Prince Adam Kazimierz Czartoryski.Influential, affluent and educated women also occupied an important place in the poet’s life. This was due not only to their greater sensitivity and emotionality, but also because of their important role in the intellectual and political life of the 18th century Poland. On certain occasions, the emotional life of the poet, his creativity and search for a patron as well as his teaching activity were closely intertwined, which could be observed in the case of Karpiński’s friendship with Marianna Ponińska. The issue of the places where the poet lived has not been properly analysed up to now. Regarding this, the multitude of leases and properties that Karpiński possessed can seem strange. There were many, ranging from Pokucie and Wołyń to Grodno, where he ended his life. The poet himself desperately sought for stability. However, this quest was impeded by political events and war.Source research into Franciszek Karpiński’s life, which to a large extent is yet to be conducted, is particularly difficult due to the damage of source materials in war and the fact that archives are now dispersed. However, this surface review of the subject, which completely omits, for example, the political context, raises awareness that there are many more questions to be asked. The main conclusion is the puzzling extent of the issue of the people and places in the life of the poet, which were all linked together by one factor; namely the search for a place for himself and his creativity.

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