Mannerist architecture and sculpture in Poland


Mannerist architecture and sculpture in Poland dominated between 1550 and 1650, when it was finally replaced with baroque. The style includes various mannerist traditions, which are closely related with ethnic and religious diversity of the country, as well as with its economic and political situation at that time. The mannerist complex of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and mannerist City of Zamość are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Conditions of development and features

The period between 1550 and 1650 was a Golden Age of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and a Golden Age of Poland. It was a time of economic prosperity due to grain trade. Grain was kept in richly embellished granaries and transported along the Vistula to the main port of Poland - Gdańsk, where it was sold to the Netherlands, England, France, Italy and Spain. It was also the time of religious tolerance due to the Warsaw Confederation.
Poland was a multinational and multi-religious country. All those nations and worships contributed to creation of the exceptional diversity of mannerist architecture and sculpture in Poland. The first half of the 17th century is marked by strong activity of the Jesuits and Counter-Reformation, which led to banishing of progressive Arians in 1658 and which has its reflection in architecture. Despite that Poland remain a "country without stakes". All the major wars and military conflicts were conducted far from the territory of today's Poland, so the country could developed equally. Those favorable conditions are the reason why mannerist architecture and sculpture in Poland left so many beautiful examples.
The mannerist architecture and sculpture have two major traditions: Polish-Italian and Netherlandish, that dominated in northern Poland. The Silesian mannerism of South-Western Poland was largely influenced by Bohemian and German mannerism, while the Pomeranian mannerism of North-Western Poland was influenced by Gothic tradition and Northern German mannerism. The Jews in Poland adapted patterns of Italian and Polish mannerism to their own tradition.
The major inspiration for many structures in Poland was early renaissance constructions at Wawel Hill - Sigismund's Chapel, tomb of king Sigismund I inside the chapel and Wawel Castle's arcade courtyard, as well as buildings in Antwerp - City Hall, houses at Grote Markt and funeral sculptures by the Flemish artist Cornelis Floris de Vriendt. In conclusion the main criterion of differentiation between types of mannerism in Poland is the source of inspiration and in many cases the founders conception played an essential role for the final shape of the construction.
Triangle gables of late Gothic origin and large windows are the features of Dutch urban architecture in Northern Poland. The Polish mannerism, though largely dominated by Italian architects and sculptors, has its unique characteristics that differentiate it from its Italian equivalent. Among notable architects and sculptors of Netherlandish Mannerism in Poland were Anthonis van Obbergen, Willem van den Blocke, Abraham van den Blocke, Jan Strakowski, Paul Baudarth, Gerhard Hendrik, Hans Kramer and Regnier van Amsterdam and of Polish/Italian mannerism Santi Gucci, Jan Michałowicz of Urzędów, Giovanni Maria Padovano, Giovanni Battista di Quadro, Jan Frankiewicz, Galleazzo Appiani, Jan Jaroszewicz, Bernardo Morando, Kasper Fodyga, Krzysztof Bonadura, Antoneo de Galia and many others.
The architecture of the 16th-century Polish mannerism is marked by common usage of richly embellished attics of palaces and houses, arcade courtyards and side towers. The church architecture combined the late gothic tradition with renaissance symmetry and mannerist decoration. Churches were slender, usually without towers. The 17th-century Polish mannerism characterize with much more simplicity in decoration in benefit to harmony of the construction. The model to the early 17th-century residences were royal palaces. Ujazdów Castle constructed for king Sigismund III Vasa was possible inspiration to the Bishop Palace in Kielce, whereas the Kielce palace was imitated by many magnate families in their residencies. This type of the palace is known as Poggio–Reale because it combined a square building with a central loggia with side towers as in Villa Poggio Reale near Naples according to conception of Baldassare Peruzzi and Sebastiano Serlio. Side towers become an obligatory element of every palace and funeral church chapels, modelled after mentioned Sigismund's Chapel, flourished all over Poland. Another characteristics of the mannerism in Poland are city and palace fortifications built in Dutch style and town halls with high towers. The most popular decoration techniques were relief, sgraffito and rustication, whereas the material was mainly brick, plastered brick, sandstone and sometimes limestone. For some time the late renaissance coexisted with early baroque.
Netherlandish and Polish-Italian architectural traditions were not isolated and penetrate each other to create a unique composition of Krzyżtopór Palace. This, one of the largest constructions of mannerism and early baroque in Poland, was intended as a fortified palace. The complex combined Dutch style fortifications with a palace built to Italian design, mannerist Polish decoration and some other, presumably Dutch elements. The palace was destroyed during the Deluge and currently remains in ruins.
Lublin region created its own style with folk motives, while the urban mannerism in Greater Poland replaced the gothic gables with Italian style arcades, tympanums, friezes and pillars in tuscan order. Warsaw, as one of the main cities of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and due to its role as seat of Parliament and King, was a place of meetings of cultures. The mannerist architecture in the city was a combination of many types of mannerist traditions, including Lublin type, Greater Poland mannerism, Italian mannerism with elements of early baroque, Lesser Poland mannerism, Poggio–Reale type, Bohemian and Netherlandish Mannerism.
The Bohemian mannerism had also large influence on the architecture and sculpture in Poland. This concerned not only the lands that were part of the Kingdom of Bohemia, like Silesia. The familiar relations between the Habsburgs and the Polish Vasas enabled to draw form the patterns of Prague mannerism. Both king Sigismund III and his son Władysław IV Vasa as well as magnates purchased many sculptures in Prague, especially those by Adriaen de Vries. Bohemian mannerism in Silesia joined the Prague renaissance with its brunelleschian arcades and German influences originating from the late gothic. Also Silesian mannerism had its impact on neighbouring regions - the arcade courtyard of the Piast Castle in Brzeg with arcades replaced in upper parts with columns was possible inspiration for similar constructions in Bohemia - Opočno Castle, Jindřichův Hradec Castle and Schloss Güstrow in Germany.
Characteristic for Jewish mannerism in Poland is adjustment of the Polish/Italian patterns to the Jewish tradition, rejection of human images in benefit to the sophisticated floral-animal decorations, mythological creatures and Hebrew inscriptions. The synagogues were adorned with horizontal attics or had a richly decorated interior. The main decorating techniques were fresco, relief and stucco.
The sculpture is mainly represented in sepulchral art and decorations of facades. Free standing sculptures are rare, though before the Deluge gardens of many residencies were adorned with sculptures. Also the free standing tomb monuments were uncommon. The tombs were generally constructed to be attached to the wall, exception is the Niedrzwicki Brothers Tomb in Koprzywnica. During the first stage of mannerism in Poland the tomb monuments were constructed according to the early renaissance tradition, where the deceased was depicted sleeping. They were generally made of sandstone, while the founder's figure was carved in red marble. In the beginning of the 17th century Dutch and Flemish architects and sculptors popularised in Poland new type of tomb monument originating from the Cornelis Floris workshop. The founders were depicted kneeling, the construction was more spacious and it employ darker materials - brown marbles from Chęciny, black marbles from Dębnik or imported from the Spanish Netherlands. Some of the most impressive Dutch style tombs in Poland were constructed far from the center of Netherlandish Mannerism in Poland - Gdańsk. These were tombs of Jan Tarnowski in Łowicz and of Ostrogski family in Tarnów.
Many of the mannerist structures in Poland are postwar reconstructions. They were destroyed by the Germans during the World War II or damaged in Allied aerial bombings. Also many were not restored after the war.

List of notable mannerist structures in Poland

Northern Poland

PlaceBuildingDate of constructionStyle and historyImage
ChełmnoTown Hall1567–1572Netherlandish/Polish mannerism. The original building was built in 1298. The tower was added between 1584-1596. Architecture of the building had many influences - horizontal attic embellished with volutes is characteristic for Polish mannerism, the elevated gables and soaring windows are in Netherlandish/Flemish style and tower decorated with corner rustication is typical for similar structures in Germany.
GdańskGolden House1609–1618Netherlandish Mannerism. Built for Johann Speymann, a wealthy grain trader and mayor of the city, and his wife Judith Bahr. The attic is decorated with sculptures depicting Cleopatra, Oedipus, Achilles and Antigone by Johann Vogt of Rostock.
GdańskGolden Gate1612–1614Netherlandish Mannerism. The attic was adorned with allegorical sculptures of citizen’s virtues: Peace, Liberty, Fortune and Fame, Harmony, Justice, Piety and Prudence. They were carved in 1648 by Peter Ringering to Jeremias Falck's design.
GdańskGreen Gate1564–1568Netherlandish Mannerism, inspired by the Antwerp City Hall. It was built to serve as the formal residence of the Polish monarchs.
GdańskNeptune's Fountain1617Netherlandish Mannerism. The fountain was founded by the city councillors at Barthell Schachtmann's initiative. The Neptune's statue was cast in Augsburg by Peter Husen and Johann Rogge. In 1634 the fountain was encompassed by a fence decorated with gilded Polish Eagles, also designed by Abraham van den Blocke.
GdańskOld Arsenal1602–1605Netherlandish Mannerism.
GdańskSchumann House1560Netherlandish Mannerism. Built for Hans Conert the Younger by unknown architect. The building was known at that time as the King's House. The top of the house is decorated with the sculpture of Zeus. Schumann House's architecture bears strong resemblance to Gildehuis der Kuipers and to Huis van de Schutters in Antwerp.
GdańskSt. Mary's Church - Epitaph of Edward Blemke1591Netherlandish Mannerism. The central relief depicts the resurrection in the Valley of Josaphat according to prophet Ezekiel's vision. The epitaph was crowned with a sculpture of death. Inspiration were epitaphs by Cornelis Floris - the construction bears resemblance to Epitaph of Dirk van Assendelft and his wife Adriana van Nassau in Grote Kerk in Breda.
OliwaOliwa Cathedral - Kos Tomb1599–1620Netherlandish Mannerism. Established by Mikołaj Kos, landlord in Żukczyn. Mikołaj and his son Andrzej were depicted wearing armours of Polish hussars.
SzczecinPomeranian Dukes Castle1573−1582Pomeranian mannerism. The original castle was rebuilt in the late renaissance style for duke John Frederick.
WłocławekWłocławek Cathedral - Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary1604–1611Polish mannerism. Originally built in 1503, it was reconstructed in the mannerist style by bishop Jan Tarnowski. The architecture of the chapel, though inspired by Sigismund's Chapel was adapted and transformed according to Dutch patterns. The dome was hidden behind the balustrade and the walls were covered with a subtle corner rustication.

Central Poland

PlaceBuildingDate of constructionStyle and historyImage
DrobinChurch of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Stanisław - Kryski Tomb1572–1576Italian/Polish mannerism. Established by Stanisław Kryski, voivode of Masovia. It depicts Stanisław's parents Paweł Kryski, his wife Anna Szreńska and their son Wojciech Kryski, chamberlain of Płock. The structure was by most account inspired by the tombs in the Medici Chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence and The tomb of Julius II in the San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica in Rome, designed by Michelangelo.
GołąbChurch of St. Catherine and St. Florian1628–1638Polish mannerism with elements of Dutch mannierism. The church was established by priest Szymon Grzybowski.
GołąbLoreto House1634–1642Italian mannerism, an exact replica of the Loreto House in Italy. Founded by Chancellor Jerzy Ossoliński. The main decorating features are ceramic statues of prophets, created under strong influence of Michelangelo's works.
Kazimierz DolnyCelej Housebefore 1635Polish mannerism, the attic is decorated with folk motives Built for a wealthy merchant Bartłomiej Celej.
Kazimierz DolnyChurch of St. John the Baptist and St. Bartholomew1586–1613Polish mannerism. The original 14th-century building burned in 1561. The initiators of the reconstruction and the founders were the Firlejs. The church was enhanced and covered with a cradle vault with lanterns. The gothic gables were rebuilt in the late renaissance style.
Kazimierz DolnyMikołaj Przybyła Granary1591Polish mannerism. In the beginning of the 17th century there were about 60 granaries in the town.
Kazimierz DolnyPrzybyła Houses1615Polish mannerism. Built for two brothers Mikołaj and Krzysztof Przybyła.
LublinCarmelite Church1635–1644Polish mannerism. The church was founded by Katarzyna z Kretków Sanguszkowa for Discalced Carmelite Sisters. The main gabled facade was decorated with arcade-pilaster divisions and frescoes. Nave elevations were divided with pilasters supporting the console cornice.
LublinKonopnica House1575Polish mannerism. The original late gothic house was obtained by Sebastian Konopnica as a dowry of his wife Katarzyna z Kretków. Konopnica, city mayor of Lublin, rebuilt the house in mannerist style. Rich decorations of windows with medallions bearing effigies of Sebastian Konopnica and his wife Katarzyna are attributed to Pińczów workshop.
PabianiceManor house1565–1571Polish mannerism. Built for canon Stanisław Dąbrowski.
PoznańCity Hall1550–1567Italian/Polish mannerism. The town hall was built during the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 16th century the building was enhanced, roofs were covered with attics and facade was embellished with a three-story loggia.
PoznańPoznań Cathedral - Tomb of bishop Izdbieński1557–1560Polish mannerism. It was established for Benedykt Izdbieński, bishop of Poznań by his heirs. The tomb was carved in sandstone and red marble and adorned with profuse floral decorations. Characteristic for Michałowicz blend of Netherlandish and Italian influences is visible in the tomb.
PoznańRidt House1576Polish mannerism. The gothic building was purchased in 1566 by Zachariasz Ridt, a rich cloth and leather merchant. Zachariasz, who was also a senior pastor of the Lutheran community in Poznań, rebuilt the house in mannerist style. The tuscan order, decorational features of the gable as well as division of facade surfaces with simple details are typical for Greater Poland mannerism.
SiedliskoSchönaich Castle1597–1618German mannerism. The original wooden castrum in Sedlscho was replaced between 1550-1560 by a brick building. It was later enlarged and reconstructed for Georg Schönaich, who also built a chapel with mannerist decorations.
UchanieChurch of the Assumption of Mary - Uchański Tombc. 1607Polish mannerism. Established by Anny Herburtówna to commemorate herself and her husband Paweł Uchański, voivode of Bełz. Made of sandstone with marble incrustatins, adorned with profuse floral and animal decorations. The effigies of the deceased were carved in alabaster.
WarsawJesuit Church1609–1626Polish mannerism. The church was founded by King Sigismund III Vasa and a chamberlain Andrzej Bobola at Piotr Skarga's initiative, in 1609.
WarsawNegro House1622–1628Polish mannerism. The reconstruction of the gothic house in the mannierist style was started by Jana Kluga and accomplished by Jakub Gianotti, who get a special tax exemption for this undertaking from the city municipalities. The facade was adorned with two richly decorated portals and a medallion with effigy of Negro, attributed to Gucci's workshop. This sculpture gave its name to the house. One of the portals bears a mark of ownership with initials 'IG' of Jakub Gianotti.
WarsawRoyal Castle1598–1619Polish mannerism/early baroque. The original castle, built between 1407–1410, was expanded for king Sigismund III Vasa by a group of Italian architects and sculptors, including Giacomo Rodondo, Paolo del Corte and Matteo Castelli.
ZamośćArmenian Houses No. 30-26first half of the 17th centuryPolish mannerism. No. 30 - rebuilt in 1665–74 for Jan Wilczek and adorned with profuse floral-animal motives, No. 28 - built in 1645–47 for Bazyli Rudomicz professor of the Zamojski Academy, No. 26 - built in 1632–34 for Armenian merchant Gabriel Bartoszewicz.
ZamośćCathedral1587–1637Polish mannerism. It was constructed as a three-nave basilica with side chapels. The main 20m high nave was covered with a cradle vault with lanterns. The naves are divided by thick corinthian pillars crowned with richly decorated entablature. Vaults were embellished with moldings.
ZamośćSynagogue1610–1620Jewish mannerism. Built for the Sephardi Jews. The interior was richly decorated with stucco in Kalisian-Lublin style. The main part was a great pray hall.
ZamośćTown Hall1591–1622Polish mannerism. Between 1639-1651 it was rebuilt by Jan Jaroszewicz and Jan Wolff. The building was enlarged and enhanced by adding another storey with high mannerist attic, while the horseshoe shaped staircase is an 18th-century addition. The clock tower is 52 meters tall and consist of five levels on square and octagonal plan.

Southern Poland

PlaceBuildingDate of constructionStyle and historyImage
Baranów SandomierskiLeszczyński Castle1591–1606Polish mannerism. The castle was built for Rafał Leszczyński and his son Andrzej as a fortified palace. The architecture of the castle merge all the characteristics of Polish mannerism - side towers, arcade courtyard and richly decorated attic.
BrzegPiast Castle Courtyard1556–1558Silesian mannerism. The original gothic castle was rebuilt for Jerzy II the Magnificent, duke of Brzeg and Legnica. It was probably inspired by Wawel Castle courtyard. The architecture of the castle's arcades bears strong resemblance to Opočno Castle in the Czech Republic and Schloss Güstrow in Germany.
BrzegPiast Castle Gate1554–1560Silesian mannerism. The gate was adorned with profuse mannerist reliefs and sculptures of Jerzy II and his wife Barbara of Brandenburg. The busts depicts 24 Piasts, ancestors of Jerzy II - 12 rulers of Poland from the legendary Piast the Wheelwright to Władysław II the Exile and 12 dukes of Silesia from Henry I the Bearded to Frederick II of Legnica. The inspiration for this decoration were woodcuts from the 1521 Chronica Polonorum by Maciej Miechowita.
JarosławOrsetti House1570–1593, 1646Polish mannerism. Built for Stanisław Smiszowic, Jarosław's apothecary. In 1633 the building was purchased by Wilhelm Orsetti and rebuilt in 1646.
Kalwaria ZebrzydowskaEcce Homo Chapel1605–1609Netherlandish Mannerism. It was built on the plan of the Greek cross. The vault adorned with profuse stucco decorations in the style of Dutch mannerism.
KielceBishops’ Palace1637–1644Italian/Netherlandish Mannerism. The palace was established by Jakub Zadzik, bishop of Kraków. The building was inspired by the royal residences in Warsaw and modelled in the so-called Poggio–Reale style. Steep roofs, towers and decorations are Netherlandish/Flemish style features.
KrakówCiborium in St. Mary's Basilica1552Polish mannerism. The St. Mary's Basilica's Ciborium was established by Kraków's goldsmiths Andrzej Mastelli and Jerzy Pipan. It was made of sandstone and adorned with red Salzburg marble, alabaster and stucco. A cast bronze balustrade was created in 1595 by Michał Otto and decorated with Polish and Lithuanian coat of arms.
KrakówDecjusz Villa1630Italian mannerism. The original villa, built between 1528-1535 for Justus Decjusz, was rebuilt for Sebastian Lubomirski. Inspiration for this reconstruction was a renaissance treaty by Sebastiano Serlio.
KrakówHoly Trinity Church - Gonzaga-Myszkowski Chapel1603–1614Polish mannerism/early baroque, decorated with rustication. The chapel was modelled after the Sigismund's Chapel. It was founded by Zygmunt Gonzaga-Myszkowski.
KrakówPrelate House1618–1619Polish mannerism. The characteristics are late renaissance attic by Zatorczyk and sgraffito decoration imitating diamond-pointed rustication.
KrakówWawel Cathedral - Stephen Báthory Tomb1594–1595Polish mannerism. Established by Queen Anna Jagiellon to commemorate her husband Stephen Báthory. Made of sandstone, red marble and alabaster.
KrasiczynKrasicki Palace1580–1631Polish mannerism. The construction was started by Stanisław Krasicki and accomplished by his son Marcin Krasicki, voivode of Podolia. It was built as a fortified palace. Each tower of the Krasicki Palace is different and both inner and the outer facades were decorated with profuse sgraffitos.
Książ WielkiMirów Palace1585–1595Polish mannerism. Founded by Piotr Myszkowski, bishop of Cracow as a fortified palace. The palace is decorated with rusticated stonework.
LeskoFortified Synagogue1626–1654Jewish mannerism. The facade bears a Hebrew inscription that reads: He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven."
OleśnicaDucal Castle1585–1608German mannerism. The original gothic castle was successively enlarged and rebuilt by the powerful bohemian magnats the Poděbrads. The reconstruction in mannerist style began in 1585. Duke Charles II built a new eastern and southern wings. He also rebuilt the so-called Widow Palace. The courtyard was emebllished with characteristic balconies and the main gate portal was adorned with Silesian and Poděbrad family crests.
PińczówSt. Anne's Chapel1600Polish mannerism. The building was established by Zygmunt Gonzaga-Myszkowski, marquess in Mirów to commemorate a Jubilee of 1600.
PrzemyślCarmelite Church1624–1630Polish mannerism. The church was founded in 1620 by Marcin Krasicki, starost of Przemyśl and owner of Krasiczyn. The construction started in 1630 and was conducted by master craftsman Ligęski of Przemyśl.
PrzemyślPrzemyśl Cathedral - Fredro Tombafter 1622Polish mannerism. The tomb monument was constructed for Jan Fredro, castellan of Przemyśl and his wife Anna ze Stadnickich. It was carved in limestone and alabaster in tuscan order. The top of the tomb is decorated with a sculpture of archangel Michael.
RzeszówAlabaster Altar in Bernardine Churchbefore 1637German mannerism. Commissioned by Mikołaj Spytek Ligęza and executed by Johann Pfister or Johann Behem. The central bas-relief in alabaster depicts the Lamentation of Christ and is supplemented with seven wooden, waxed and gilded reliefs with scenes from the Passion : Christ in the Garden of Olives, Flagellation, Crowning with thorns, Fall under the cross, Christ being nailed to the Cross, Elevation of the Cross and Descent from the Cross and three alabaster reliefs in predella: the Archangel Gabriel, Saint Anne and the Annunciation.
StaszówChurch of St. Bartholomew - Tęczyński Chapel1618–1625Polish mannerism. Tęczyński Chapel was founded by Katarzyna Leszczyńska to commemorate her husband Andrzej Tęczyński, castellan of Bełz and son Jacek. The chapel was modelled after the Sigismund's Chapel and decorated with rustication.
Sucha BeskidzkaKomorowski Castle1608–1614Polish mannerism. The original defensive mansion built between 1554-1580 was enlarged and rebuilt for Piotr Komorowski.
TarnówTarnów Cathedral - Ostrogski Tomb1612–1620Netherlandish Mannerism. Established by Janusz Ostrogski, voivode of Volhyn. Made of black and red marble and yellow alabaster. It depicts the kneeling figures of the founder and his first wife Zsuzsanna Serédi of Felsőnovaj. The monument was enlarged using the trompe-l'œil technique.
UjazdKrzyżtopór1621–1644Polish mannerism/early baroque. The palace was built for Krzysztof Ossoliński as a fortified palace with bastions on plan of a regular pentagon. Krzyżtopór has 4 towers, 12 halls, 52 chambers and 365 windows.
WrocławHouse of the Griffins1587–1589German/Dutch mannerism. It is the largest merchant house in Wrocław, originally built in about 1300. The house was rebuilt for Daniel von Turnau und Kueschmalz and his wife Dorothea von Matte. The mannerist portal with founders' crests was carved by Gerhard Hendrik of Amsterdam. The house was named after griffins decorating the attic.
ŻórawinaHoly Trinity Church1600–1608German/Dutch mannerism. The 14th-century church was reconstructed in mannerist style at Adam von Hanniwaldt's initiative. The undertaking was financially supported by Adam's brother Andreas, councillor at the court of Emperor Rudolph II. Among the artists employed in decoration of the church were eminent Netherlandish Mannerist sculptors.

Not existing structures