Adoration of the Three Kings

The sculpture (37.5 cm high) was made in 1982 by Mieczysław Gaja, a folk artist active in the Łuków Folk Sculpture Centre. Created from a single piece of linden wood, using the planing technique, it is polychromed with poster paints in very intense colours. The irregularly shaped pedestal is composed of five figures - two kneeling kings and one standing in front of Mary with the Child on his right arm. They are presenting the gifts brought to them.

Mieczysław Gaja was born in 1953 in Łuków, where he lives to this day. He has been sculpting since 1976 and continues to perfect his craft. He creates sculptures and bas-reliefs on sacred and secular themes. These are mostly whole compositions built on several plans. He studied with Wacław Suska, who directed his interest in sculpting and was one of the first sculptors to form the Łuków centre. The works of this artist are distinguished from others by their individual way of shaping figures and scenes. His sculptures are covered with multicoloured polychrome, which was made by his wife Czesława Gaja, which was often practised in families of folłk sculptors. His works were presented at numerous exhibitions. They have been purchased by many Polish museums and galleries, and private collectors. The artist willingly takes part in festivals and folk art fairs. He is a laureate of many regional and national competitions.