The Monument of Maria Konopnicka

Maria Yuzefovna Konopnitskaya, also known as Maria Konopnicka, was a prominent Polish writer and a versatile literary figure. Born on May 23, 1842, in Suwałki, she demonstrated her remarkable talent as a poet, novelist, literary critic, journalist, and translator. Notably, Maria was an ardent advocate for women's rights and Polish independence, actively engaging in activism to advance these causes.

Her literary contributions, particularly in works for children and young adults, earned her widespread recognition and popularity. In fact, from 1944 to 2004, her fiction was among the most published in Poland. During this impressive period, her works saw a staggering 477 editions with a total circulation of 26.226 million copies. Such a significant circulation placed her only behind the renowned writers Henryk Sienkiewicz and Jan Brzechwa.

Maria Konopnicka's impact on Polish literature extended beyond just popularity, as she played a crucial role during Poland's Positivist period, earning her a place among the most significant poets of that era. Throughout her literary career, she used various pseudonyms, including Jan Sawa, adding an intriguing element to her creative endeavors.

Despite her passing on October 8, 1910, Maria Konopnicka's legacy endures through her influential literary works and her dedication to progressive causes, making her a cherished figure in Poland's literary and societal history.

The initiators of erecting the monument to Maria Konopnicka were children from Primary School No. 11 in Kalisz, whose appeal in this matter was published in the biweekly magazine "Płomyczek." After this appeal, contributions from children from all over Poland flowed in, and approximately 600,000 złoty was collected.

In 1963, a closed competition for the sculpture design was announced, and it was won by Stanisław Kulon. The sculpture depicts the seated figure of the writer on a low pedestal. The monument was unveiled on May 22, 1966, on the eve of the 124th anniversary of her birth.

The pedestal bears the inscription "Maria Konopnicka – children." On the right side, the inscription reads "Unveiled on May 22, 1966," and on the left side, "The monument funded by contributions from children, thanks to the efforts of the 'Płomyczek' editorial team and the Maria Konopnicka Society."

The monument was made of syenite.

For his work on the monument, Stanisław Kulon was awarded the Gold Honor Badge "For Merit to Warsaw."