“Quo vadis” on ephemeral bas-reliefs. Lecture by Prof. Wiesław Ratajczak

The talent and technical skill of the sculptor Domenico Mastroianni (1876-1962) is evidenced by the widespread opinion that he was able to make a clay image of a model's head faster than others drew a pencil sketch of it. As a self-taught student, he absorbed inspiration from contemporary European art, met the Impressionists, and was fascinated by Art Nouveau.

He invented his own technique, which was called sculpture éphémère. On slabs about 50 by 70 cm in size, he created extremely suggestive clay bas-reliefs, often with many figures, architectural fragments or plant ornaments. The works prepared in this way were then photographed and distributed as postcards. The original was destroyed by the artist, and the next composition was created on the used disc.

An extensive series of works was devoted to Mastroianni “Quo vadis” by Henryk Sienkiewicz. Using his intimate convention, the Italian sculptor created a vast picture of ancient Rome, with squares, palaces and an amphitheater, and gave the figures individual psychological features, dynamism and sensuality.

This is not only one of many examples of the novel's extraordinary popularity, but also its inspiring interpretation. The lecture will be accompanied by a presentation of postcards from the era.

Admission is free