The Racławice Panorama

The Racławice Panorama is a monumental work created in 1893 to commemorate the centenary of the Kościuszko Uprising. It was intended to be the main attraction of the General National Exhibition in Lviv in 1894. Commissioned by the Lviv City Council, the project was realized by Jan Styka in collaboration with Wojciech Kossak and other painters. The painting depicts the Battle of Racławice in 1794, presenting its key moments in an asynchronous manner by combining various scenes that occurred at different times. The panorama is painted on a canvas measuring 120 meters in length and 15 meters in height, utilizing 750 kg of paint. The uniqueness of the work is enhanced by its architectural setting, as it was originally displayed in a rotunda that intensified the illusionistic effect of the piece. Since 1985, the panorama has been housed in Wrocław, where it is part of an art museum. The Racławice Panorama endured the turmoil of World War II, having been saved from destruction. For many years, efforts were made to restore it and construct a new rotunda to serve as its permanent home. After numerous political controversies, it was finally opened to the public in 1985, and since then, it has enjoyed uninterrupted popularity, attracting millions of visitors. In 2020, renovations began on the rotunda and additional restoration work on the painting itself, which concluded in 2021. The Racławice Panorama is not only a significant work of art but also a fascinating example of Polish culture. Its reception by visitors over the years has been overwhelmingly positive. It has received numerous compliments, including praise from Emperor Franz Joseph I, who acknowledged its impressive artistic value. █