To mark the occasion, the National Library in Warsaw has mounted an exhibition of the poet’s manuscripts that show his "philosophy of travel, the gist of which is an admiration of the richness and diversity of the world," according to the organisers.
The centrepiece of the exhibition, entitled Mr. Herbert – the Traveller, is the autograph manuscript of Herbert’s poem Modlitwa Pana Cogito - podróżnika (The Prayer of Mr. Cogito – the Traveller). Mr. Cogito was a figure invented by the poet, serving as a kind of Polish everyman.
Tomasz Makowski, the director of the National Library, said during the opening ceremony that the poem communicates Herbert's admiration of the world.
"We are recalling the work penned 41 years ago because we should never stop admiring the world around us," he said.
Herbert’s manuscripts and other exhibits on display take visitors on a chronological journey to the poet's favourite destinations.
Driven by his desire to explore the roots of Europe's Christian civilisation and by the fascination with ancient cultures, Herbert travelled to, or spent extended periods of time in France, Greece, Italy and the Netherlands. He visited Dutch museums to see the Old Masters, toured the Lascaux Cave in France and marvelled at the splendour of the medieval cathedral in the Italian town of Orvieto. He also travelled extensively in England and Scotland.
The National Library writes on its website that the exhibition about Herbert’s travels is ”a universal story about life, transience and death."
The exhibition is located at the newly revitalized Palace of the Commonwealth, which houses the National Library's collection of invaluable manuscripts and relics of Poland’s historical heritage.
Events marking the centenary of Herbert’s birth have been held throughout 2024, comprising new publications of his poetry, dramas and essays in the United States, Britain and Slovenia.
Zbigniew Herbert, pictured in 1963. Photo: PAP/Cezary Langda
In addition to Pan Cogito (Mr. Cogito), Herbert’s most popular works include Struna światła (The Chord of Light), Hermes, pies i gwiazda (Hermes, Dog and Star), and Barbarzyńca w ogrodzie (The Barbarian in the Garden).
An anti-communist, Herbert gave his wholehearted support to Poland's Solidarity movement. After the imposition of martial law in the country in December 1981, his poems were recited at clandestine Solidarity meetings.
His works have been translated into 40 languages. He died in 1998.
(mk/gs)