The Auschwitz II sculpture in Warsaw

The sculpture "Oświęcim II" by Franciszek Strynkiewicz is located in the Old Town of Warsaw, in the space between the defensive walls, between Podwale and Rycerska streets. Strynkiewicz created this work in either 1945 or 1948, and it was unveiled in 1957. The sculpture stands about 1 meter tall and depicts a nude woman with an infant in a state of decay, presenting a terrifying allegory of the martyrdom of the victims of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Mounted on a sandstone pedestal over a meter high, the sculpture exudes drama and intense emotional impact, prompting reflection on the tragic events of World War II. In 1976, it was moved to its current location, underscoring its importance in commemorating the victims of the Holocaust and their suffering. "Oświęcim II" is a significant work of Polish contemporary art, combining both artistic value and a profound historical message, reminding viewers of the harrowing fates of those in concentration camps. It is also associated with the artistic movement that aimed to memorialize and process the traumatic experiences of armed conflicts.