The Tree

‘This is the idea behind my
work: the artist listens to the murmur of the willow tree – nature from which he
draws his inspiration, [...] from the singing of Polish fields, forests and
rivers, from the Polish soul.’ [Wacław Szymanowski].

The depiction of the tree
under which Chopin sits gave rise to a great deal of controversy. Some were of
the opinion that the representation of a tree in sculpture was inappropriate,
or even unnecessary, especially when the monument is surrounded by nature.