Paintings

Nicolaus Copernicus is usually depicted surrounded by astronomical tools and aids such as triquetrum, solar quadrant and armillary astrolabe. Sometimes he is shown holding a lily of the valley in his hands. The flower symbolises Copernicus' connection with medicine. 

You will find some intereting examples of Copernicus' paintings below.

Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus in Toruń The most famous portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus, probably painted in the eighties of the 16th century, perhaps according to Copernicus' „autograph”. Some researchers assign  the authorship of the painting to Marcus Gheeraerts. The painting depicts an astronomer from Toruń, aged about 35-40 years. The scientist is depicted as a character  with a slim face, expressive features and long, dark and wavy hair in a black cassock and a red sleeveless strait jacket. 

Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus in Toruń painted probably by Marcus Gheeraerts.

The astronomer Copernicus, or a conversation with God - an oil painting by Jan Matejko depicting Nicolaus Copernicus during the observation of the sky from his private tower on the cathedral hill in Frombork. He is dressed in black robes, with one hand pointing upwards and the other holding a zirconia. On his face is a surprise, symbolizing a great discovery. A direct pretext for painting the painting was the 400th anniversary of the astronomer's birthday in 1873. Dr Henryk Levittoux, a well-known Warsaw physician and naturalist, posed for the painting. The symbol of his great knowledge and great abilities is a burning lighthouse, which is located near the board. And yet a man who knows the world so well and is able to embrace it with his intellect managed to surprise him. 

The astronomer Copernicus, or a conversation with God -  by Jan Matejko 

Karol Hemmerlein, Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus according to the epitaph from St. John's Church in Toruń. The main place in the painting is occupied by a large image of Copernicus, standing with his hands folded for prayer, in a black robe and a red sleeveless straitjacket. The character does not look at what is in the background, but at the viewer. Next to it is a skull symbolizing death and passing. Behind the window there is a distant mountainous, dark landscape. 

Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus by Karol Hemmerlein

If you want to see other examples of painitngs of Copernicus' you can go here. 

Author: Zuzanna Kachniarz, 2R
Supervisor: Emilia Woźniak