Adam Mickiewicz monument in Kraków by Teodor Rygier : designs, controversies, interpretations

The author discusses the history of Adam Mickiewicz monument in the Main Market Square in Kraków, which was unveiled in June 1898, and which was intended to commemorate the romantic bard in the urban space of the Old Town. The six designs proposed by Teodor Rygier (1841-1913) are described with special regard to the design approved finally for realization in the context of ideas and concepts that emerged during the heated discussions, concerning the organization of three competitions (1882, 1885, 1888), the choice of a suitable location, the aesthetics of academic classicism, and sometimes controversial decisions of the monument committee. From this perspective, it is possible to reconstruct the idea of the monument more accurately and to describe its elements, including the bronze figure of the bard and four allegorical groups: Fatherland (or Fame), Poetry, Patriotism (or Courage), Learning.