Józef Piłsudski (1867--1935)
Josef Thorak (1889-1952)
The Polish Museum in Rapperswil
Rapperswil, Switzerland
A bronze bust depicting Marshal Józef Piłsudski (1867--1935). Cast in bronze and patinated, mounted on a marble base bearing an inscription in brass letters: J. PIŁSUDSKI / 1867-1935.
The sculpture was purchased in 1974 using monetary contributions from the Poles living in Switzerland. The bust of Józef Piłsudski belongs to a cycle of sculptures containing four works, entitled “Prominent figures of the interwar period”.
Piłsudski was Poland's Chief of State from 1918-1922, Commander-in-chief of the Polish Forces from 11 November 1918, First Marshal of Poland from 1920, and two-time Prime Minister of Poland (1926-1938, and 1930). He played a key role in Poland’s regaining its independence after World War I (founder of the Polish Legions), and influenced the overall internal and external policy of the Second Republic of Poland.
- Title: Józef Piłsudski (1867--1935)
- Creator: Josef Thorak (1889-1952)
- Physical Dimensions: 68 x 28 x 35 cm (with a base)
- Provenance: A gift of Poles living in Switzerland (1974)
- Type: Sculpture
- Medium: Patinated bronze casting, marble
- About the author: Josef Thorak (1889-1952), an Austrian sculptor, one of the main artists of the Third Reich. He executed both monumental compositions promoting the fascist ideology, and smaller forms, such as busts of Friedrich Nietzsche, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Goebbels. Mustafa Atatürk, and Józef Piłsudski. After World War II, he was prohibited from exercising his professional activity.
Get the app
Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more
