Conversations with God: Jan Matejko's Copernicus

The National Gallery has reopened its doors with a free exhibition, Conversations with God: Jan Matejko's Copernicus. This is the first time the iconic painting has been displayed in the UK. Regarded as the national painter of Poland, Matejko painted key historical events in Polish history. Born in Krakow in 1838, the ninth of eleven children, he studied at the School of Fine Arts and was noted for his exemplary technique.

Matejko became a director of the famed Institution which was later renamed after him. His paintings are full of drama, expressing his moral philosophy and patriotism. Painted in 1873 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Copernicus' birth this historic painting is displayed in an atmospheric room to great effect with representatations of the night skies on each wall; the constellations fixed at the time of Copernicus' birth.

The ten foot canvas depicts the astronomer kneeling on a rooftop in Frombork, his hometown, overlooking the Cathedral where he was a canon. It is at the moment of his discovery of heliocentris as he converses with God. His eyes are raised mystically towards the starry heavens and his hands are raised in awe. Beside him are his astronomical instruments and his treatise On the Revolutions of the Celestial Sphere, published in 1543, the year he died.

Copernicus overturned contemporary understanding of the Universe by recognising it was the sun not the earth that was the centre of the solar system and that the earth rotated around the sun. Copernicus believed science and religion were compatible and enlightened clerics adopted his position.

A copy of his celebrated book is displayed at the exhibition alongside historic astronomical instruments from Krakow University Museum.

Dr Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, said: "Matejko's Copernicus demonstrates the artist's ambition to create defining images for a nation that yearned to recover its sovereignty and independence."

A sensitive small self portrait in oils on wood of the artist is also displayed in this evocative exhibition uniting two of Poland's most celebrated citizens.

The exhibition runs until 22 August 2021.

To book free tickets see: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit/gallery-entry

There is still time to see Sensing the Unseen: Step into Gossaert's, Adoration of the Kings, in an immersive experience. Sadly it was only open for a few days before Coronavirus enforced a lockdown last December. It is open with free admission until 13th June - perfect viewing for half term to keep the children entertained- as well as the adults. After reflecting briefly on the painting visitors move into individual pods, resembling tents.

Individuals or a family group can be accommodated in each pod for 15 minutes. Close-ups focus briefly on sections of the painting enabling the viewer to see more closely the fabulous textiles ,textures and features of the painting. Sounds of horses hooves, birds singing, cattle lowing and donkeys braying immerse one into the classic painting to view this masterpiece with fresh eyes and ears. The Trinity, normally barely visible in the shape of a dove with minute rays of light ,is greatly enhanced in the pod to the left. Each of the pods gives a particular focus on Balthasar, the black king.

A contemporary emotive poem written and read by Therese Lola, the former black youth Poet Laureate of London, is broadcast at the conclusion.

I would have liked five or ten minutes more in this unique experience.

Read more about Sensing the Unseen: Step into Gossaert's, Adoration of the Kings: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/40422