Until August 15, 2022, visitors can see an exhibition at the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Warsaw’s Wilanów, presenting the works of Johannes Hevelius and installations inspired by his work performed by artists from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. The honorary partner of the exhibition is the Polish Space Agency.
The exhibition is presenting the activities of Johannes Hevelius as a scientist and artist, as well as works by contemporary artists associated with the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, inspired by the activities and discoveries of the famous astronomer.
King Jan III Sobieski was keenly interested in exact sciences, including astronomy. During his stay in Gdańsk, he visited the astronomical observatory of Hevelius, whom he supported. Also, his research of the sky and Hevelius’ publications were under the patronage of the ruler.
The selection of the works presented at the exhibition consists of a story about the relationship of the astronomer with the royal court, which is reminiscent of the rarely exhibited due to the technique (paper) objects referring to King Jan III and his family members, the so-called Sobiesciana.
The works of lecturers and doctoral students of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw were presented on the premises of the Orangery and the Wilanów residence. Contemporary graphic works, paintings and installations refer to the activities of the Gdańsk astronomer and were inspired by Hevelius’ studies of the sky (including observations of the Moon and various constellations).
The exhibition Moon and Sobieski’s Shield combines history with the present, art and science of the Baroque period with the artistic works of contemporary artists. The exhibition includes works by Hevelius (inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021), exhibits from the archives of the Polish Academy of Sciences – Gdańsk Library and selected objects from the collection of the Wilanów Museum, as well as contemporary sculptures, graphics, paintings, installations and multimedia.
Adrian Andrzejewski