Nativity scene

The relief, made in 1982 by Mieczysław Zawadzki of poplar wood, depicts a crib in a cave (39 cm high, 26 cm wide). In the foreground, in the middle of the grotto, there is a manger with a baby Christ, kneeling Mother of God on the right, an angel behind her, and St Joseph on the left. Another angel is above their heads. In the background, behind the cave, there are green trees, stars, and the Star of Bethlehem in the dark blue sky. The whole composition was painted with poster paints and clear varnish. A Christmas crib is a theme taken up very often by folk sculptors. The work stands out because the author departed from the typical presentation of Jesus' birthplace in a crib resembling a cottage or a simple shed. He has also limited himself to presenting the main characters and symbols.

Mieczysław Zawadzki (born in 1947 in the village of Budziska) is another artist connected with the Łuków Folk Sculpture Centre. He started his creative work in 1977. He makes sculptures on sacral themes and related to life in an old village. A simple form and rich colours characterise them. The artist sculpts from a single piece of wood, creating both extended and single representations. Zawadzki's sculptures are characterised by a synthetic approach to the subject matter, multiform composition and the ability to select the most crucial elements of the depicted idea, making them very legible and attractive in form. The colourful and exceptionally precisely executed polychrome is the merit of his wife, Czesława, who has been supporting her husband in his work for years. The sculptor willingly participates in competitions, festivals and folk art fairs, winning many top prizes and distinctions.