Livonian Origins of the Rector’s Chain of Jagiellonian University of 1900

The tradition of generous endowments for Almae Matris is as old as university itself. Some donations can be admired at the Jagiellonian University Museum. One of the insignia of the University’s authorities has very interesting origins. The rector’s chain of 1900 was donated by graduates of the “former Universität Dorpat” (currently University of Tartu) during the official celebration of the 500th anniversary of reinstatement of the Jagiellonian University. The concept of the chain and the interesting iconography originated from the Polish-Livonian historiographer Gustaw Manteuffel. So far, the history of this artefact has not been explored in depth. In the 19th century Galicia was perceived as the refuge of Polishness and Kraków was the most important sanctuary of national heritage. Poles from Universität Dorpat felt a bond with the Polish community and the chain was a symbol to express their patriotism. The donation from Dorpat delegation included several elements: tributary letter (now lost), tissue (never found) covering the masterpiece box containing the chain, and then the main gift itself: the chain. Gustaw Manteuffel left a symbolic “signature” on this work. At Princes Czartoryski Library in Kraków, the Author has found previously unknown correspondence between Manteuffel and Lubomir Gadon – parts of it concern creation of the chain.

The tradition of generous endowments for Almae Matris is as old as university itself. Some donations can be admired at the Jagiellonian University Museum. One of the insignia of the University’s authorities has very interesting origins. The rector’s chain of 1900 was donated by graduates of the “former Universität Dorpat” (currently University of Tartu) during the official celebration of the 500th anniversary of reinstatement of the Jagiellonian University. The concept of the chain and the interesting iconography originated from the Polish-Livonian historiographer Gustaw Manteuffel. So far, the history of this artefact has not been explored in depth. In the 19th century Galicia was perceived as the refuge of Polishness and Kraków was the most important sanctuary of national heritage. Poles from Universität Dorpat felt a bond with the Polish community and the chain was a symbol to express their patriotism. The donation from Dorpat delegation included several elements: tributary letter (now lost), tissue (never found) covering the masterpiece box containing the chain, and then the main gift itself: the chain. Gustaw Manteuffel left a symbolic “signature” on this work. At Princes Czartoryski Library in Kraków, the Author has found previously unknown correspondence between Manteuffel and Lubomir Gadon – parts of it concern creation of the chain.