The Polish Contribution to Egyptian Motifs in the Architecture of Synagogues

Leszek Zinkow

doi:10.56583/sz.2407

Published : 2023-12-31

Vol. 13 (2023)

The Polish Contribution to Egyptian Motifs in the Architecture of Synagogues

dr hab. prof. Leszek Zinkow

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0681-7428

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56583/sz.2407

Abstract

Egyptomania is a specific strategy related to the reception of the heritage of ancient Egypt and incorporation of Egyptian elements into various aspects of modern culture, such as art, crafts, literature, intellectual speculation, and others. This phenomenon manifested itself in architecture, too, especially in the 19th century. We can also point out various Egyptian (or rather, “quasi-Egyptian”) motifs and details in the design and construction of some synagogue buildings around the world. In the 1879s, a Polish architect, Stanisław Adamczewski, proposed the idea of a monumental synagogue in Warsaw, incorporating interesting elements reminiscent of ancient Egyptian buildings. He also planned other Egyptian-styled structures in Warsaw, but none of them, like the synagogue itself, were ever constructed.

Keywords:

Egyptomania, Egyptian style in architecture, Synagogues (in Poland), Adamczewski Stanisław

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Zinkow, L. (2023). The Polish Contribution to Egyptian Motifs in the Architecture of Synagogues. Jewish Studies. Almanac, 13, 11–23. https://doi.org/10.56583/sz.2407

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