Monument to Polish and Russian Mothers

Technique: sculpture; wrought sheet metal

Dimensions: approx. 3 m (height)

Object: The monument was placed on the right side, near the entrance to the Cemetery of Soviet Soldiers. Its unveiling was held on 30 March 1984. It depicts two monumental figures of women in long dresses, holding hands. The sculpture, based on synthetic, simplified forms, suggests mourning and sadness, reflecting the tragedy experienced by the mothers of soldiers who died during the war. At the same time, though – in line with the Socialist doctrine – it serves as an expression of Polish-Soviet friendship. The monument, even though created three decades later than the main CEMETERY arrangement, fits in with with the Socialist Realism style.

Place: The Cemetery of Soviet Soldiers is located at the back of People’s Meeting Square and covers an area of 1.65 ha of the former Non-Denominational Cemetery. It borders the historic Garrison Cemetery. Construction started in 1946. The exhumation of Soviet soldiers’ bodies and their transport to the cemetery were completed in 1949, along with primary arrangement and decoration work. The cemetery was designed by Gdańsk University of Technology employees, but parts of the monument and obelisk were designed by Alfons Łosowski. The cemetery is arranged in 3 parts located at different heights of the slope and the valley’s foot, where the described object is to be found. The entire area is based on Socialist Realism guidelines and currently remains one of the few monuments in this style in Gdańsk. The monument to Polish and Russian Mothers was unveiled in 1984 and the granite cross on the burial field in 1996.

Information about the author: Zygfryd Stanisław Korpalski (born  24 April 1930 in Tczew, died 13 June 2020 in Gdynia). He graduated from the art high school in Orłowo, began studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk under Prof. Stanisław Horno-Popławski, and graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Leningrad in 1958. In 1962, he started actively participating in exhibitions, as well as national and international competitions in Czechoslovakia, East Germany, West Germany, Norway, Bulgaria and the USSR. His work included monumental sculptures, bas-reliefs and medals. He was a member of the Gdańsk chapter of the Association of Polish Artists and Designers. The sculpture of a horse on one of the gables of the former City Hall (today’s Scout House) and numerous recreated stoops and portals are some of his most representative works. The artist also took part in implementing the concept of a Cemetery of Non-existent Cemeteries, commemorating 27 Gdańsk cemeteries of various denominations destroyed after World War II. He also created the urn for Major Henryk Sucharski in Westerplatte, as well as the gallery of contemporary sculptures in the Oliwa Park. Among his numerous honours is the Prince Mściwoj Medal from 2013 for outstanding sculptural work (including monumental sculpture), promoting historical and patriotic values 2013.

Zdzisław Koseda (born 17 March 1928 in Bydgoszcz, died 12 May 2013). Artist, sculptor, winner of many prestigious awards. He worked and lived in Gdynia. A graduate of the State School of Fine Arts (PWSSP) in Gdańsk, where he studied at the Faculty of Sculpture under Prof. Stanisław Horno-Popławski, he received his diploma in 1958 and joined the Association of Polish Artists and Designers in 1959. He participated in many exhibitions in Poland and abroad, as well as sculpting competitions, receiving numerous awards and honours. Winner of many awards for his artistic activities. He is the author of monuments that form the cultural landscape of Gdynia. In this respect, one needs to mention, for example, the statue of Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski (southern pier of the port), the one of Leonid Teliga and Gen. Mariusz Zaruski (sailing harbour), the monument to scouts murdered in 1939 (Gdynia Obłuże), the statue of Christ Blessing the Sea, as well as the bench of Antoni Suchanek in Gdynia Orłowo. His works are held in museums and in private collections.

Condition of the object: no comments

Owner: Gdańsk Road and Greenery Authority

Author of the entry: Kora Kowalska