Joseph Polisensky Collection

Winston Churchill and President Benes, c1940s, (1947). Creator: Unknown
Winston Churchill and President Benes, c1940s, (1947). Benes and Churchill at a review of the Czechoslovak Brigade, Britain

An Amazon on the Barricades, 19th century, (1947). Creator: Unknown
An Amazon on the Barricades, 19th century, (1947). A scene from the Prague revolt in 1848. A woman aims a gun from the top of a pile of rubble forming a barricade

St Martin in the Wall... where the communion sub utraque was served for the first time
St Martin in the Wall.- Prague church where the communion sub utraque was served for the first time in 1414, (1947). Gothic church built between 1178-1187 adjacent to the walls of the Old Town of

The Sokol Festival of 1938, (1947). Creator: Unknown
The Sokol Festival of 1938, (1947). Crowds watch a mass performance (or slet ) by competitors during the Pan-Sokol International festival in the Strahov Stadium, Prague, Czechoslovakia

R. W. Seton-Watson, 1947. Creator: Unknown
R. W. Seton-Watson, 1947. Portrait of British political activist and historian Robert William Seton-Watson (1879-1951), who played an active role in encouraging the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian

Comenius, 1642, (1947). Creator: George Glover
Comenius, 1642, (1947). Portrait of John Amos Comenius (1592-1670), Czech teacher, writer, philosopher and theologian, aged 50

The Reformers, 16th century, (1947). Creator: Unknown
The Reformers, 16th century, (1947). European reformist theologians: John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin, Philipp Melanchthon, Martin Bucer and Theodore Beza

President Benes visits F. D. Roosevelt in 1942, (1947). Creator: Unknown
President Benes visits F. D. Roosevelt in 1942, (1947). Benes (right) and American president Franklin D Roosevelt in Washington DC, USA

The Belvedere in Prague, 1947. Creator: Unknown
The Belvedere in Prague, 1947. The baptism of Prince Rupert was celebrated here in 1620. Summer palace in the grounds of Prague Castle, Bohemia, (modern-day Czech Republic)

The Chapel and Schools, Fulneck near Leeds, 19th century, (1947). Creator: Unknown
The Chapel and Schools, Fulneck near Leeds, 19th century, (1947). View of Fulneck Moravian Church and boarding schools. The settlement at Fulneck near Leeds in Yorkshire was founded in the 1740s

Hus transcript of Wycliffes treatise, early 15th century, (1947). Creator: Unknown
Hus transcript of Wycliffes treatise, early 15th century, (1947). The English scholar and reformer John Wycliffe (1320s-1384)

The Historie of Bohemia, 1619-1620, (1947). Creator: Unknown
The Historie of Bohemia, 1619-1620, (1947). Frontispiece from a 17th century book: The historie of Bohemia. The First Parte

Anne of Bohemia, (1947). Creator: Unknown
Anne of Bohemia, (1947). Portrait of Anne of Bohemia (1366-1394), Queen Consort of Richard II of England. Anne was the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV

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Joseph Polisensky was a man of many interests and passions. Born in the 19th century, he witnessed significant historical events that shaped his worldview. One such event was "An Amazon on the Barricades, " a powerful image from 1947 depicting an unknown creator's interpretation of resistance and strength. Another important moment in Joseph's life was when he visited St Martin in the Wall, where the communion sub utraque (under both kinds) was served for the first time. This religious milestone left a lasting impression on him, highlighting his deep connection to spirituality. During the tumultuous 1940s, Joseph found inspiration in Winston Churchill and President Benes' alliance captured by an unknown artist. Their meeting symbolized hope amidst chaos, reminding Joseph of the power of unity during challenging times. The Occupation brought Herr Neurath to Prague Castle in 1939, leaving an indelible mark on Joseph's memory. The image created by an anonymous artist depicted this historic moment with haunting realism, serving as a constant reminder of oppression and resilience. In contrast to these somber images, Joseph also celebrated moments of joy like The Sokol Festival of 1938. Captured by another unknown creator in 1947, this vibrant depiction showcased Czech culture at its finest – athleticism combined with national pride. Joseph had great admiration for scholars like R. W Seton-Watson who dedicated their lives to knowledge dissemination. A portrait from 1947 immortalized Seton-Watson's contributions to academia while inspiring Joseph to pursue intellectual pursuits himself. Comenius' portrayal from George Glover's artwork transported Joseph back to 1642 when this influential philosopher made significant contributions to education theory. Comenius became one of Joseph's role models due to his progressive ideas about teaching methods that still resonate today. As someone deeply interested in history and reform movements, it is no surprise that depictions of "The Reformers" from the 16th century captivated Joseph's attention.