Wawel heads, Renaissance sculpture collection in Wawel Castle, Kraków, Poland
The Wawel heads are a collection of around 30 preserved carved human heads embedded within the coffered ceilings of the Envoys' Hall at Wawel Castle. These reliefs were created as decorative elements in the 16th century and remain a centerpiece of the castle's Renaissance art collection.
The artist Sebastian Tauerbach and his workshop created approximately 194 decorative heads for the castle ceilings around 1540. In the 20th century, the modern sculptor Xavery Dunikowski added new interpretations based on the original Renaissance designs.
The carved heads display varied expressions and character types that reflect the social diversity of 16th-century Polish society. They stand as evidence of how artists of that time captured different people and their individuality in stone.
Access to the collection is through guided tours of Wawel Castle, with entrance tickets available on the museum's website. Plan your visit in advance and check opening hours to make the most of your time exploring this part of the castle.
Not all of the original 194 heads survived intact, but the approximately 30 visible today showcase remarkable detail work. Each head was individually carved with distinct facial features, revealing the extraordinary craftsmanship and patience of Renaissance artisans.
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