Good manners seen through the crystal that is savoir-vivre by Zofia Stryjeńska Cover Image

Dobre wychowywanie widziane przez kryształ, czyli savoir-vivre według Zofii Stryjeńskiej
Good manners seen through the crystal that is savoir-vivre by Zofia Stryjeńska

Author(s): Anna Jawor
Subject(s): Culture and social structure , Sociology of Culture, Social Norms / Social Control
Published by: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek
Keywords: savoir-vivre; guides; Zofia Stryjeńska; cultured person; good manners;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is an interpretative analysis of savoir-vivre guide by Zofia Stryjeńska. I analyse that in the context of other good manners guides, social reality, opinion polls and also life and work of great painter. What is interesting for me is: the understanding of savoir-vivre by Stryjeńska, the values, attitudes and gestures connected with savoir-vivre, and if Stryjeńska brings something new to this or she only repeats what other authors say. I focus not only on contents of this guide but also on its formal aspects (construction, style of expression, graphic design). One may draw three main conclusions on this publication. Firstly, Stryjeńska skillfully combine high society culture and social egalitarianism. Secondly, this is – like in art déco – geometric synthesis of what is classical and traditional and what is modern and international. Thirdly, this is anticipating of some issues, bringing some themes which had not been interesting for savoir-vivre experts so far and now they are interesting for people according opinion polls. All these features make Zofia Stryjeńska’s guide original and different than any others, both prewar and postwar, savoir-vivre guides.

  • Issue Year: 139/2023
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 113-130
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish