Bathing woman

The sculpture "Bather" by Olga Niewska, located on the southern shore of Swan Pond in Warsaw, is an impressive work of art, standing 178 cm tall and weighing nearly 500 kg. Cast in bronze, it was based on an earlier plaster model, which was exhibited in November 1928 at the Salon of the Professional Association of Polish Visual Artists. The sculpture gained recognition, receiving the award of the Capital City of Warsaw. Its official unveiling took place on September 28, 1929, when the Mayor of Warsaw, Zygmunt Słomiński, presided over the ceremony. The bronze casting was commissioned from the "Łopieńscy Brothers" company in Warsaw, highlighting the local nature of this project. Historically, the sculpture can be interpreted as an expression of the artistic aspirations of the interwar period, as well as an element of Warsaw's culture and aesthetics at that time. In 1997, the sculpture fell victim to a failed theft attempt, which caused damage. However, thanks to the work of conservators, including Krzysztof Lesiak and Marek Koss, the sculpture was repaired, and the granite base and fountain installation were modernized. After 20 months, the sculpture returned to its place, demonstrating its enduring value and significance to Warsaw's urban space. Interestingly, "Bather" not only represents the artist's talent but also serves as an example of the care and protection of art in a historical context, which over the years has strengthened its value as part of the capital's cultural heritage.