Nauczanie rysunków przez Saturnina Świerzyńskiego jako próba kształtowania gustu estetycznego i świadomości obywatelskiej uczniów

Abstract

The present article discusses chosen aspects of pedagogical work of a Kraków’s painter and conservator Saturnin Świerzyński (1820–1885). The painter’s manuscripts – preserved in the collections of libraries, archives and private libraries – printed material, as well as a set of drawing templates of his work are examined. Świerzyński began his pedagogical work while studying at the Kraków’s School of Fine Arts; he continued the activity concurrently with painting and conservation activity. He worked as a teacher of drawing in private homes, boarding schools and public schools; he was associated with St. Jack Grammar School for the longest period of time. He was well-acquainted with the current curriculum of teaching drawing, based on copying templates by foreign authors. He noticed the flaws of this system and thus developed his own concept aiming at influencing aesthetic taste of his pupils by providing them with templates for copying prepared specially by him. The analysis of preserved sources about the artist’s work has allowed for drawing a conclusion that his original method of teaching did not lead to an increase in the interest in art among pupils, but directed their attention to the historical buildings in their nearest environment.