Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in Torun

Last crawled date: 1 year, 11 months ago

The Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in the home town of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) was erected in 1853 by a 'monument committee' of the city's residents. On 19 February 1839, the astronomer's birthday, a committee of twelve citizens was founded to promote a monument. In May 1839 King Frederick William III of Prussia approved the collection of donations, but he died soon afterward, and it was Frederick William IV who donated the largest share of the money, 3,466 Prussian thalers. The total cost was 10,449 thalers, almost half of which was for the casting in bronze by Fischer in Berlin. The clay model was the last work of Christian Friedrich Tieck (1776–1851). The monument presents Copernicus in academic dress. His left hand holds an astrolabe, and his right index finger points to the heavens. This symbolizes Copernicus' connection with astronomy and celestial studies. The monument is surrounded by stone benches and an adjoining stone water well. The pedestal bears a Latin inscription drawn up by Alexander von Humboldt: 'Nicolaus Copernicus Thorunensis, terrae motor, solis caelique stator' ('Nicolaus Copernicus of Thorun, mover of the earth, stopper of the sun and heavens') #Copernicus #Monument #Nicolaus #Poland #Polska #Torun #Toruń