The Prophet Simeon

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The central part of the sculpture is carved from a single piece of wood that has been hollowed out deeply from its rear side. The Prophet Simeon is depicted as an elderly man with a thick mustache, long grey beard, and furrowed forehead, said to resemble the sculptor himself in appearance. Not only was Jan Wnęk renowned for his exceptional talent as a sculptor, but also for his ingenuity and bravery. Born in 1828 in the rural village of Kaczówka near Dąbrowa Tarnowska, he was the son of a serf peasant and a skilled carpenter by trade. His reputation as an artist was solidified through his collaboration with Rev. Stanisław Morgensztern, a parish priest in Odporyszów. Mid-19th century, Odporyszów, Poland marks the time and place where this remarkable sculpture came into existence. Jan Wnęk is credited as its creator. This masterpiece is on display at The Seweryn Udziela Ethnographic Museum in Kraków, with an inventory number of 6557/MEK. Further information about the object can be found here: https://muzea.malopolska.pl/en/objects-list/2254. Digital versions of this artwork are available through the RDW MIC and Virtual Małopolska project.