“Remember this face” a stern voice seems to say. It is the face of a king. We are standing before the Pomnik Króla Bolesława Chrobrego Bust. This monument commemorates Bolesław Prus. He was a prominent novelist. He was a leading figure in Polish literature and philosophy.
The idea for this Pomnik Króla Bolesława Chrobrego Bust first surfaced in 1916. It appeared in the magazine Tygodnik Illustrowany. The concept was revisited in the early 1960s. It was featured in the radio drama The Matysiaks. Warsaw artisans generously donated money for its construction.
In 1962, a contest was held for the monument’s design. Four teams of artists received awards. However, none of their designs were ultimately used. Instead, Anna Kamieńska-Łapińska received a commission. She created a new project. The Pomnik Króla Bolesława Chrobrego Bust was unveiled on January 15, 1977.
The Pomnik Króla Bolesława Chrobrego Bust is situated on Twardowski Square. It is near the intersection of Krakowskie Przedmieście and Karowa Streets. Before World War II, this site housed the presses of Kurier Warszawski. Bolesław Prus wrote for this newspaper.
The Pomnik Króla Bolesława Chrobrego Bust is a bronze statue. It stands 3.6 meters tall. It rests on a low granite pedestal. The monument portrays Bolesław Prus as an elderly man. He appears thoughtful. He holds a cane behind his back. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry. Consider the history it represents. The Pomnik Króla Bolesława Chrobrego Bust is more than just a statue. It is a tribute to a great Polish writer. It is a reminder of Warsaw’s cultural heritage.