December is a good time to reflect upon the passing year. For this reason, we gathered on 6 December in the Collegium Maius Library to reminisce about the past months, which were marked by the celebration of the Copernican Year. The event included the screening of a movie clip presenting the most important artistic and scientific undertakings in which the Jagiellonian University Museum has been involved. Open the article to read the full text.

Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Financial Management Prof. Piotr Jedynak, Museum Director Prof. Krzysztof Stopka, and Deputy Director of the Museum Joanna Ślaga spoke about the background of the anniversary projects presented in the clip.

In turn, Dr Maciej Kluza introduced the audience to the figures of three great scientists: Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. It was not without reason that these names were the main theme of the presentation. Over 40 years ago, the then director of the Museum, Professor Stanisław Waltoś, commissioned two portraits from the Kraków artist Władysław Szyszka. One of them depicted Galileo Galilei and the other one portrayed Newton. Still, a third, complementary painting was considered to be necessary — a portrait of the scientist most closely associated with the Kraków's Alma Mater -— Nicolaus Copernicus. During the event, a portrait of the Polish astronomer, which had been purchased for the Museum's collection, was officially unveiled. In this way, after several decades, Władysław Szyszka's painting triptych was completed.

If you'd like to face this unique portrayal of Copernicus, visit the Collegium Maius Museum where the painting will be presented on display in the coming weeks as the Exhibit of the Month.

Photos: Karol Kowalik