On the gentry’s and impoverished noblemen’s tables in J. I. Kraszewski novels

Abstract

Józef Ignacy Kraszewski is most notably known as a history enthusiast; however, he was also a knowledgeable observer of 18th century customs and the everyday life of certain social groups. One has grounds to say that the period in which he lived – namely the Saxons era, in which people led colorful social lives – was conducive to his interest. Also, the writer’s personal experiences are not without significance, especially his childhood and stay in Romanów, where Kraszewski familiarized himself with the rules of etiquette by which the gentry abode. Yet another interest that contributed to the accurate description of 18th century customs was the fact that the writer was a bibliophile. Looking through the Dresden archives, Kraszewski got a clear picture of the life of the society which allowed him to aptly depict the flavor of those times in his artistic work. Among a number of social niceties, Kraszewski paid special attention to the customs connected with the Old Polish dining table, namely its decorative qualities created by an abundance of crystal, trinkets, flowers, table linen, porcelain figurines and bright tablecloth. Finally, tableware seems to be part and parcel of such depictions.