Moulding – The Birth of Venus (sculpture)

Technique: cast synthetic material

Dimensions: 120 cm (H), 125 cm (W), 125 cm (D)

Object: This abstract sculpture consists of a light openwork composition with irregular, rounded shapes, set in the middle of a cuboid plinth, which contrasts with it in terms of colour and form. The smooth-surfaced statue, made entirely out of a cream-coloured synthetic material, is characterized by a synthetic form. The influence of Hans Arp is clearly visible. From the base upwards, the structure subtly expands to the sides, giving the impression of an organic form. The work was acquired by the National Museum in Gdańsk directly from the artist on 28 November 1974. Since 1976, Moulding – The Birth of Venus has formed part of the open-air sculpture exhibition in Oliwa Park, exhibited – in line with the artist’s idea – in the centre of the pond. For conservation reasons, the sculpture was temporarily dismantled in 2013 and moved to the courtyard of the Abbots’ Palace – home of the NMG’s Modern Art Department. The statue is not signed.

Place: The sculpture was integrated into the natural landscape of the northern part of the Adam Mickiewicz Park in Oliwa. It used to be showcased at the centre of the pond, floating delicately on the surface of the water. It formed part of the Gallery of Contemporary Gdańsk Sculpture from the collection of the National Museum in Gdańsk, created on the initiative of the Museum, the District Board of the Association of Polish Artists and Designers (ZPAP) and the City Council. The outdoor gallery, showcasing works by artists from different generations, was officially opened on 30 March 1976.

Information about the author:

Zygfryd Korpalski (b. 1930 in Tczew, d. 2020 in Gdynia) completed the Secondary Art School in Gdynia, moving on to study at the Faculty of Sculpture of the State School of Visual Arts (PWSSP) in Gdańsk – the present-day Academy of Fine Arts. He graduated in 1950 from Prof. Stanisław Horno-Popławski’s studio. He continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Leningrad, where he received his degree in 1958. He took part in the reconstruction of sculptural elements of the historic architecture of Gdańsk’s Główne Miasto. Korpalski’s sculpture studio was located on Mariacka Street in Gdańsk. He was the author of many statues placed in public space, such as the bust of Stanisław Staszic in Kwidzyn (1963) and the bust of Stefan Michalak in Gdańsk (2006).

Condition of the object: partly damaged, awaiting renovation

Owner/guardian: The National Museum in Gdańsk

Author of the entry: Andrzej Zagrobelny