Nagrobek Władysława III Warneńczyka na Wawelu, Medieval royal tomb in Wawel Cathedral, Kraków, Poland.
The tomb of Władysław III stands in Wawel Cathedral in Kraków and depicts the king in full armor holding the Szczerbiec sword in his hands. A lion lies at his feet, while red marble and bronze work mark the piece as a significant artistic creation.
Sculptor Antoni Madeyski created the monument between 1903 and 1906 as a cenotaph for a king who died in 1444 at the Battle of Varna. This delayed artistic tribute came roughly 450 years after his death.
The tomb presents the king as a warrior first rather than a traditional ruler. His armor and sword dominate the design, while the crown merely marks his royal status.
The tomb stands between pillars that separate the main nave from the northern aisle of the cathedral and is easy to spot. Visitors can view it during regular opening hours of the church.
The friezes on the sides of the tomb display Polish and Hungarian coats of arms, marking a shared reign between two kingdoms. This artistic choice links the history of both nations into a single memorial.
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