Laudatio of national hero in "Pieśni o księciu Józefie" ["Songs of Prince Józef"] by Artur Oppman

The article concentrates on the lofty representation of the protagonist of the collection of lyrical works. "Pieśni o księciu Józefie" make a reference, in their historical and axiological aspects, to the biography by Szymon Askenazy, "Książę Józef Poniatowski 1763-1813" ["Prince Józef Poniatowski 1763-1813"]. That biography presents the central figure as an exemplary patriot and citizen, who does not hesitate to give his life for the fatherland. The poet, however, goes much further than Askenazy in elevating his hero, as he sacralises the figure of prince Poniatowski by making him the main martyr of the national cause, who pleads for Poland with God.