Rocznik 1966

Professor’s classes were the only source of knowledge about the newest research led in those times, mainly in the Western countries; we were separated from any news, our handbooks were limited to few titles of which most were printed before the war. Thanks to Professor we learned within the series of his lectures on architecture, sculpture and painting how to carry out a decent, thorough, formal analysis of art works. Within the second-year preseminar classes he made us acquainted with a new research method – iconography and iconology. We had neither works by Panofsky, nor iconographical lexicons, Professor’s knowledge was a unique and invaluable source, just like in the case of his lectures on history of ornament. The master thesis seminar was dedicated to Silesian art, Professor demanded from us a just valuation of this art in the context of the complicated history of the region. He used to warn us against hasty estimation, following “official” interpretations, and also self- censorship. He used to dedicate his free time to us within the students’ scientific circle, participate in Sunday excursions and willingly review our articles prepared for students’ sessions. In what he talked about during his lectures there were no false tones. He was and still is a scientific authority. He created an unrepeatable atmosphere with his uncompromising attitude. The History of Art Department was an ideal island in a grey socialist space.