Anatomy of Antiquity
The Body and Movement in Sculpture
June 13 – September 21, 2025
Royal Library
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.
Antiquity on the Vistula
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.
What’s on Display
The exhibition features:
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Original ancient sculptures
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Plaster casts – educational tools used by 18th- and 19th-century artists
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Works by artists inspired by antiquity, including:
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Kamsetzer, Merlini, Le Brun – court artists of King Stanisław August
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Canova, Laboureur, Houdon – representatives of European classicism
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Boznańska, Malczewski – Polish artists from the turn of the 20th century who studied classical models
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Toward the Ideal
The central theme of the exhibition is the creative process. It invites visitors to step into the sculptor’s studio of centuries past and discover the nature of their work—struggles with material in pursuit of perfection.
The selection of objects also provides insight into how classical representations of the body evolved—from static to dynamic, from simplified to strikingly precise. It also reveals how the function, reception, and adaptation of ancient models changed in modern Europe.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
Monday: Closed
Ticket Prices:
Standard – 30 PLN
Reduced – 20 PLN
Special (with a ticket to any permanent exhibition) – 1 PLN
Notice: Due to the unique historical nature of the architectural space of the Royal Library and the associated conservation restrictions, we regret to inform you that access to the exhibition Anatomy of Antiquity. Body and Movement in Sculpture is limited for visitors with mobility impairments and for those using strollers.
