Dialecticism of History and Memory. About figures and Mementoes Connected with Tsar-King Alexander I (1777–1825)

Abstract

On many objects connected with Alexander I and his reign as the ruler of Polish Kingdom, on jewelry objects, medals ceramics, drawings etc., remained panegyric mottos and sentences glorifying him, and expressing admiration for his achievements as the „reviver” of Poland, giver of peace and freedom, expressing sorrow after his death. The available written sources commemorate laudations to his honor, declarations of loyalty, submissiveness and full surrender brought to his throne. They seem to paint a different picture of reality in the Polish Kingdom, unlike the one brought by the Polish collective memory of partition period, reminding the trauma of society and culture annihilation under tsar’s rule. We are not certain whether the praising texts of the Polish subjects of the tsar, preached in his honor, are sincere or only declarative, but the fact that they were created in the times of enslavement is worth investigating and reflecting upon.