Monument to Johannes Hevelius

Technique: stone sculpture

Dimensions: approx. 250 cm (height of the whole structure)

Object: The monument depicts an almost life size figure of Johannes Hevelius. It is a granite sculpture placed on a horizontal granite block and granite plinth, with the inscription “Johannes Hevelius” and the dates of his birth and death: 1611–1687. The composition is vertical and static, the form compact, the figure is shown from the front. The sculpture’s texture shows a contrast between smooth (face) and rough parts, emphasising the stone’s structure. Only the astronomer’s head is detailed, his body is wrapped in a schematically sculpted robe, from which only hands emerge. Hevelius holds something reminiscent of a telescope. He is presented in a traditional, idealised manner. The block, compact form, slightly referring to modernism, is characteristic of Wiesław Pietroń’s style. The monument is the central object in an arrangement of asymmetrical circles outlined on the ground with stones. On the left side of the statue there is a stone sphere on a low plinth. The whole composition resembles the solar system.

Place: The Johannes Hevelius monument is located in the courtyard of the former Primary School no. 71 in the Przymorze Małe district (currently housing the Special School Complex no. 2). It was unveiled on the day the school was named after the astronomer, 12 May 1973. Despite a change in the school’s profile, the sculpture has remained in its original location.

Information about the author: Wiesław Pietroń (born 4 June 1934 in Gdynia) studied at the Faculty of Sculpture of the State Academy of Fine Arts (PWSSP) in Gdańsk. He obtained his degree in 1964 from the studio of Prof. Stanisław Horno-Popławski, with a specialisation in sculpture and architectural design from Prof. Adam Smolana. Pietroń took part in many exhibitions in Poland and abroad. His most important projects in public space include: Monument to the Fallen Soviet Soldiers, Sarzyński Dwór, 1967; Monument to Those Who Died for the Polish Identity of Gdańsk (with Warszyniec Samp), Gdańsk, 1969; Monument to Insurgents, Czarna Woda, 1970; King and Queen, Oliwa Park, 1976.

Object condition: awaiting renovation

Owner/guardian: Special School Complex no. 2

Author of the entry: Kora Kowalska