Astronomer Copernicus, or Conversations with God

Astronomer Copernicus, or Conversations with God
Polish: Astronom Kopernik, czyli rozmowa z Bogiem
ArtistJan Matejko
Year1873 (1873)
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions225 cm × 315 cm (89 in × 124 in)
LocationCollegium Novum, Jagiellonian University

Astronomer Copernicus, or Conversations with God (Polish: Astronom Kopernik, czyli rozmowa z Bogiem) is a painting by the Polish artist Jan Matejko completed in 1873, in the collection of the Jagiellonian University, Kraków. It depicts Nicolaus Copernicus observing the heavens from a balcony in a tower with the cathedral in Frombork in the background. The canvas was purchased from a private owner by public subscription in Poland and hangs in the aula (Great Hall) of the Collegium Novum of the university. Matejko produced the painting as part of a series of paintings intended to capture and represent key moments in the history of Poland to inspire the public.[1]

  1. ^ Wanda Małaszewska. "Matejko, Jan." Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press, accessed 28 May 2014, http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/article/grove/art/T055919