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Boleslaw BalzukiewiczPolish sculptor
Date of Birth: 12.02.1879
Country:  Poland |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Bronislaw Balzukewicz(born 1879) was a Polish sculptor who played a significant role in the art scene of Vilnius, Lithuania. He was born into a family of artists, with his brother and sister also pursuing careers in the field. Balzukewicz received his initial artistic education at the Vilnius Drawing School from 1897 to 1902. He then studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow and later in Paris (1902-1903).
Career in Vilnius
Balzukewicz settled in Vilnius in 1903 or 1904. He played a crucial role in the creation of the monument to the Battle of Grunwald, working alongside Antoni Wiwulski. Balzukewicz was also a professor and head of the sculpture department at the University of Stefan Batory (1919-1935).
Notable Works
One of Balzukewicz's most iconic works is the allegorical figure of "Electricity" (also known as "Electra") on the corner tower of the Vilnius Power Plant (1902). The sculpture depicts a female figure holding an electric lamp, symbolizing the advent of a new era of illumination.
In 1901 or 1908, Balzukewicz created a new statue of Saint Jacek for the chapel at the former city gate. The statue depicts the saint carrying a monstrance and a figure of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus. A similar statue can be found at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Zvirinciai.
Balzukewicz also designed a monument to composer Stanislaw Moniuszko (1922) and a statue of banker and philanthropist Jozef Montwill (1911/1931).
Legacy
During World War II, many of Balzukewicz's sculptures were destroyed. However, some of his works have been restored, including "Electricity" (1995). Balzukewicz is remembered for his contributions to the artistic landscape of Vilnius and for his significant role in the development of Polish sculpture.
He passed away in 1966 and was buried at the Rasu Cemetery in Vilnius.
