The works of Frédéric Chopin, deeply rooted in Polish folk tradition, simultaneously resonate with people all over the world, regardless of their cultural or national background. The universality of Chopin's music ensures that he is commemorated in many countries through various artistic forms such as monuments, commemorative plaques, and even museums. These tangible tributes honor his genius and highlight the profound impact he had on global culture.

List of Chopin-related objects below the article

Chopin's Memorials
Paris is a city that holds numerous locations associated with the life and work of Frédéric Chopin. One of them is a house on Montmartre, at 27 Boulevard Poissonnière, where in 1831, Chopin found his first permanent residence in an attic apartment. Today, a commemorative plaque marks this location. Similar plaques are found on three more of the nine buildings where Chopin lived during his time in the French capital. Paris is also home to venues where Chopin performed and participated in the social life of the city. One such place is the present-day Hotel Washington Opera, where a banquet for Polish exiles took place at the end of July 1832. Another place of memory is the Polish Library in Paris, where Chopin's salon, where he met with friends and other artists, has been recreated.

Chopin also visited other cities in Europe, and these travels have been commemorated as well. Plaques mark the places where he stayed during his journeys, such as in Vienna, Prague, Majorca, Karlovy Vary, and Mariánské Lázně.

During his trips to England in 1837 and 1848, Chopin received mixed reactions from the public. In London, where he gave his last public concert, there is a plaque commemorating this event. In Manchester, where the composer was much better received, a monument commemorates his only concert there, which took place on August 28, 1848, in Concert Hall.

First Memorial: Chopin's Grave at Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris
The first sculptural commemoration of Chopin was his grave at the famous Père-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The monument was created by Auguste Jean-Baptiste Clésinger, a French sculptor and the son-in-law of George Sand, with whom Chopin had a long-standing relationship. Clésinger, known for his allegorical compositions in the academic classical style, placed a marble figure of a muse leaning over a broken lyre on the tomb's pedestal. On the front of the pedestal is a medallion with Chopin's left profile and the inscription: "À Frédéric Chopin, ses amis" ("To Frédéric Chopin, his friends"). The monument was unveiled on October 17, 1850, the first anniversary of the composer's death.

Although the monument was meant to honor the great artist, it was met with criticism. Cyprian Kamil Norwid described it as a "shamefully sculpted monument, pretending to be a woman crying with a lyre in her hand," expressing dissatisfaction with its artistic form.

Chopin's Painted Portraits
Portraits of Chopin, created both during his lifetime and after his death, are not only a record of his appearance but also a testament to the influence he had on global culture. Below is a presentation of the most important portraits of Frédéric Chopin in world art outside Poland. One of the most famous portraits of Chopin is the work of Eugène Delacroix, a leading figure of French Romanticism. Painted between 1838-1839, the image originally formed part of a larger composition depicting Frédéric Chopin and George Sand, his close friend and life partner. Delacroix captured Chopin in a moment of concentration at the piano, conveying his artistic sensitivity and emotional depth. Later, the original canvas was divided into two separate portraits, with the Chopin portrait now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Another well-known portrait came from the brush of Ary Scheffer, a Dutch painter working in France, who was a close acquaintance of Chopin. In 1847, he painted a portrait of the composer, which is now part of the collection of the Carnavalet Museum in Paris. The painting shows Chopin in elegant attire, with a gentle facial expression reflecting his delicate nature and artistic sensibility. Scheffer, due to his personal relationship with Chopin, was able to capture not only the composer's physical appearance but also his inner world.

Monceau Park Monument
In 1906, another monument to Chopin was unveiled in Paris's Monceau Park, created by Jacques Froment-Meurice. The sculpture shows the composer playing the piano. At his feet sits a woman covering her eyes—an allegory of harmony or attentiveness to the music. Above the piano, a female figure emerges from the clouds and scatters flowers, symbolizing inspiration or a muse. The monument bears the simple inscription: "F. Chopin."

Monument in Brazil
In 1944, in response to the destruction of Chopin's monument in Warsaw by the Germans, the Polish community in Brazil initiated a collection to fund a monument to the composer in Rio de Janeiro. The work of August Zamoyski, one of Poland's leading sculptors, the statue depicts a thoughtful, youthful Chopin standing by Praia Vermelha bay. The monument was unveiled on September 1, 1944, in front of the Municipal Theatre and later moved to its current location by the sea.

Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz described the work: "In the Chopin monument—the most beautiful monument I know—Zamoyski achieved a magical art [...] He created an idealized but true Chopin. Zamoyski was a poet."

The Largest Monument
The largest Chopin monument in the world and the first Polish monument in China is the one in Shanghai, created by Lu Pin. It was initiated by You Jianner, a Chinese businessman with Polish citizenship, and Marek Niewiarowski, Secretary General of the International Chopin Federation in Warsaw. The monument was cast in Gliwice Technical Equipment Plant and unveiled on March 3, 2007, during a ceremony featuring a concert by seventy pianists simultaneously playing the "Polonaise in A-flat major."

The sculptor Lu Pin emphasized in interviews: "I knew I wanted to interpret the music more than Chopin himself. I layered metaphor upon metaphor, searching for a message fully understandable to my compatriots." In 2008, a smaller-scale copy of the monument was unveiled in Beijing at the Chaoyang Culture Center.

Replica of Warsaw's Monument in Hamamatsu
In the Japanese city of Hamamatsu, known for its musical instrument production, a replica of Warsaw's Chopin monument by Wacław Szymanowski was erected in 1994. The monument was a gift from the city of Warsaw and symbolizes the cultural cooperation between Poland and Japan, initiated by a 1990 agreement.

Singapore: Monument in the Botanic Gardens
In Singapore's Botanic Gardens stands a Chopin monument by Karol Badyna, depicting the composer playing the piano accompanied by a listening lady. The figures are life-sized, and on the open music sheets is the score of one of Chopin's polonaises. The piano has been reduced to just the keyboard, giving the sculpture a unique character. The monument was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, and private sponsors.

Symbolism and Significance of Chopin Monuments
Monuments to Frédéric Chopin are not merely physical structures commemorating his person. They serve as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations and nations through shared musical experiences. The sculptures and monuments dedicated to the composer often reflect not only his physical likeness but, more importantly, the spirit of his music—full of emotion, nostalgia, and deep reflection.

These artistic tributes appear in various forms and styles, from classical busts to modern installations. They utilize a range of materials such as bronze, marble, and granite, further emphasizing the universality and timelessness of his work. Often placed in public spaces—parks, squares, and in front of cultural institutions—they are accessible to a broad audience, helping to popularize his music and keep his memory alive.

Global Reach of Commemorating Chopin
The presence of Chopin monuments across various continents testifies to his global influence. In Europe, outside of Poland, he is particularly remembered in France, where he spent a significant portion of his life, as well as in other countries with which he was connected through travel or cultural influence. However, his legacy is not confined to Europe. In Asia, especially in countries like Japan and China, Chopin’s music enjoys immense popularity, reflected in numerous monuments and events dedicated to him. In both the Americas, and even in Africa and Australia, there are places dedicated to Chopin, underscoring the universal appeal of his music.

Chopin monuments and other forms of commemoration often inspire local communities. They serve not only as tributes to the composer but also as focal points for organizing cultural events such as concerts, festivals, and piano competitions. Through these events, his music remains an ever-present force in the cultural life of various nations, allowing new generations to discover and interpret it anew.

In many places, Chopin monuments are part of broader educational and cultural initiatives. They provide a pretext for promoting classical music, music education among children and youth, and fostering international cultural relations. In this way, commemorating the composer translates into tangible efforts that enrich social and cultural life.

Artistic Interpretations of the Composer's Persona
The variety of artistic forms used to commemorate Chopin reflects the multifaceted perception of his persona and work. Some monuments focus on realistic depictions of his likeness, capturing his physical features as known from portraits and descriptions of the era. Others take a more symbolic approach, attempting to capture the essence of his music or the emotions it evokes.

Artists who create these works often aim to convey the elusive character of Chopin’s music—its melancholy, passion, and subtlety. They use various means of expression, from the dynamism of line and form to the play of light and shadow on the sculpture’s surface. Each work thus becomes a unique interpretation of his artistry and personality.

Chopin in Urban Space
The placement of Chopin monuments in public spaces is also of great significance. Often located in symbolic places—parks that encourage contemplation, near music schools, highlighting the importance of music education, or in city centers where they become an integral part of daily life—they ensure the constant presence of the composer in the public consciousness.

Additionally, the surroundings of these monuments often harmonize with their symbolic content. The greenery of parks, the rustle of trees, or the nearby fountains can reference the nature that inspired many of Chopin’s compositions. In this way, the space around the monument becomes part of the artistic narrative.

Impact on International Cultural Relations
Commemorating Chopin outside of Poland also has a diplomatic and culture-building dimension. Monuments and related events are often the result of cooperation between countries, highlighting friendship and mutual cultural influence. They serve as bridges connecting nations, based on shared respect for universal values expressed through music.

Monuments and other forms of commemoration for Frédéric Chopin worldwide are a testament to the profound influence his music has had, and continues to have, on people of various nationalities and cultures. They not only pay tribute to his genius but also promote universal humanistic values such as beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual reflection.

Through these tangible forms of memory, Chopin remains alive in the public consciousness, inspiring successive generations of artists and music lovers. His music, full of personal expression and national identity, speaks to the hearts of people around the world, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. In this way, Chopin monuments are not just relics but living symbols of the enduring cultural heritage of humanity.

List of Chopin Monuments and Other Objects Related to Frédéric Chopin

Monuments

Europe

Austria
Vienna
Monument to Frédéric Chopin in Vienna, titled “La note bleue,” refers to the metaphorical "blue note" that Chopin’s partner, George Sand, perceived in his music. The monument was created by sculptor Krzysztof M. Bednarski, whose design won a competition organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute. It was unveiled in the Schweizergarten park in 2010 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

Albania
Tirana
In November 2003, a monument to Frédéric Chopin was unveiled in Tirana. It was created by Polish sculptor Andrzej Renes, known for works such as the monuments to Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and the Katyn Memorial in Warsaw. The artist prepared three series of sculptures dedicated to Chopin in the late 1980s—one depicting his family, another inspired by specific compositions, and a series of portraits. The Tirana monument is part of the portrait series, featuring a bronze bust of Chopin set against a copper geometric backdrop. The inscription originally read "FREDERIK SCHOPEN / 1810-1849 //."

Czech Republic
Mariánské Lázně
A monument to Frédéric Chopin by Karl Otáhal from 1960 is located in the city park. It features a bas-relief medallion of Chopin and an inscription in Czech and Polish commemorating his stay in Mariánské Lázně.

Bohumin
A monument to Frédéric Chopin from 1962. The monument consists of a stone with a metal plaque showing Chopin’s profile in relief, facing left, and an inscription. Below this, there is another plaque with a Polish inscription.

France

Paris
Chopin’s grave at Père-Lachaise Cemetery, created by Jean-Baptiste Clésinger in 1850, is a pilgrimage site for music lovers worldwide. It features the muse Euterpe mourning over a broken lyre and underwent significant restoration in 2017-2018.

Monument to Frédéric Chopin in Monceau Park, unveiled in 1906, created by Jacques Froment-Meurice, shows Chopin at the piano accompanied by allegorical figures of Harmony and Music.

Luxembourg Gardens
A bust, a modern casting of Bolesław Syrewicz’s sculpture, was placed in 1999 at the site of the previous one from 1901, which was destroyed during World War II. The 1901 bust was inspired by a relief by Antoine Bovy, leading to its resemblance to Syrewicz's version.

The list continues with a detailed overview of Chopin's monuments in various countries around the world, along with the significance and history of each monument, memorial, or artistic representation dedicated to Chopin’s memory. These include other countries such as Spain, Germany, Portugal, Japan, China, Brazil, and many more, each contributing to the global commemoration of the great composer.

Spain

Valldemossa
Unveiled in 1999, this monument by Polish sculptor Zofia Wolska depicts a bust of Chopin. It is located in the courtyard of the Carthusian Monastery, symbolizing the composer’s connection to Mallorca, where he spent a part of the winter of 1838-1839 with George Sand.

Palma
In Palma de Mallorca, a monument to Frédéric Chopin stands near a square named after him. The sculpture features Chopin's head mounted on a pedestal with an inscription in Spanish. It commemorates his stay on the island during a particularly difficult period of his life.

Germany

Munich
To mark the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth, a monument created by Polish sculptor Józef Nowak was unveiled in Poet’s Park (Dichtergarten) in Munich. This monument was made possible by the involvement and funding from Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and Halina and Mirosław Pieńkowski.

Portugal

Lisbon
A bust of Frédéric Chopin stands on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. It was made from black stone and placed on a contrasting light-colored pedestal. Like the Budapest monument, it is a contemporary cast of Syrewicz’s sculpture.

Slovenia

Ljubljana
In 2014, at the entrance to the Chopin Passage under Congress Square, a bronze bust of Frédéric Chopin was unveiled. This monument, a tribute to the Polish composer, was gifted to Slovenia by the Republic of Poland as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of Chopin’s birth. It was created by Polish sculptor Adam Roman, who also made two other busts of Chopin located in Tokyo and Kaliningrad. Each year, Slovenia hosts the International Chopin Piano Competition for young pianists, known as the Chopin Golden Ring competition.

Hungary

Budapest
A 1929 monument to Frédéric Chopin by Ede Margó in Gödöllő depicts Chopin at the piano with allegorical figures of a man and a woman. It stands in front of the music school bearing his name.

In Horváth-kert park, a bust of Chopin was placed in 2011, replicating Syrewicz’s 1899 bust, identical to the one in Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.

United Kingdom

Manchester
A monument to Frédéric Chopin unveiled in 2011, created by Robert Sobociński, depicts the composer accompanied by a muse modeled after Jane Stirling. It is the largest Chopin monument outside of Poland and commemorates his visit to Manchester in 1848, where he gave his last concert. The composer’s health was failing at the time, and he reportedly experienced hallucinations due to exhaustion during the performance.

Another significant monument in Manchester, unveiled on October 17, 1973, at the Royal Northern College of Music, was created by Ludwika Nitschowa and features a bronze statue of Chopin.

North America

Kostaryka
San José
A monument to Frédéric Chopin, featuring a bust on a dark stone pedestal, was funded by the Polish community and the Polish Embassy. This sculpture emphasizes the presence of Polish culture in Central America.

Cuba

Havana
A sculpture of Chopin, designed by Adam Myjak, presents the composer seated on a bench, seemingly lost in his own music, with his right hand in a gesture that captures the moment of musical creation. This peaceful and introspective Chopin is an exception in Myjak’s expressive style, harmonizing with the historic surroundings of Plaza de San Francisco in Havana.

United States

Buffalo
A monument to Frédéric Chopin stands at the southern end of Symphony Circle. It is a classical bust of the composer, placed on a rectangular column with a broad base. The monument was established by the Chopin Singing Society, and the bust was created by Polish-American artist Joseph Mazur. It was unveiled on June 7, 1925, and later relocated to the lawn in front of Kleinhans Music Hall, across from Symphony Circle.

Cleveland
The Polish Cultural Garden in Cleveland, Ohio, located at the corner of St. Clair and East Boulevard, was dedicated in 1934. The central feature is an octagonal fountain, surrounded by sculptures of prominent figures from Polish history and culture, including a bust of Frédéric Chopin. The garden is part of a series of international gardens in Cleveland that commemorate the city’s diverse ethnic heritage. The bust of Chopin in this garden portrays a young composer in elegant attire, with full cheeks and a confident expression.

South America

Argentina

Buenos Aires
In 1944, a monument to Frédéric Chopin was unveiled in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital. The monument, likely initiated by Polish immigrants who sought refuge in South America during World War II, stands in Parque Chacabuco. The bust of Chopin is placed on a pedestal inscribed with his name. Though the figure resembles a classical depiction of an elegant gentleman, critics have noted that it could equally represent other composers, such as Schumann or Brahms, suggesting that the sculptor may not have based the work on a known portrait of Chopin.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro
In 1944, in response to the destruction of Chopin’s Warsaw monument by the Nazis, the Polish community in Brazil raised funds to commission a new monument. Created by August Zamoyski, this sculpture of Chopin, situated by the Praia Vermelha bay, depicts a thoughtful, youthful composer. The monument was unveiled on September 1, 1944, and later relocated to its current location by the sea.

Porto Alegre
In 1963, Fernando Corona sculpted a monument to Frédéric Chopin in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. The sculpture portrays Chopin’s bust, set atop a simple granite column, inscribed with the years of his birth and death. The statue reflects the composer’s characteristic melancholy and was unveiled on November 15, 1963, to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Asia

China

Shanghai
A bronze monument of Frédéric Chopin, cast in Polish copper and made in Gliwice, commemorates the composer in China. The monument’s creation was initiated by You Jianner, a Chinese businessman with Polish citizenship, and Marek Niewiarowski, the Secretary-General of the International Chopin Federation in Warsaw. The monument was unveiled on March 3, 2007, during a ceremony featuring a concert by seventy pianists playing Chopin’s Polonaise in A-flat major.

The artist, Lu Pin, stated in interviews: “I knew I wanted to interpret the music rather than the figure of Chopin. I layered metaphor upon metaphor, searching for an interpretation that would be fully understandable to my fellow countrymen.” A smaller-scale replica of the monument was unveiled in Beijing in 2008.

Japan

Hamamatsu
In the city of Hamamatsu, Japan, known for its musical instrument production and music festivals, a monument to Frédéric Chopin was erected in 1994. This is a replica of the famous Chopin monument by Wacław Szymanowski in Warsaw’s Łazienki Park. The gift, made by Marian Konieczny, was a symbol of cultural cooperation between Poland and Japan.

Singapore
In the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a monument to Chopin by Karol Badyna depicts the composer playing the piano alongside a listening lady. The life-sized figures are positioned on a simplified piano, with the sheet music on display featuring one of Chopin’s polonaises. The monument was funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, and private sponsors.

This comprehensive listing continues with details about additional monuments in countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, and Australia, as well as numerous other locations worldwide where Chopin’s memory is celebrated through various forms of public art and cultural commemorations.

South Korea

Seoul
In Namsan Park, Seoul, there is a monument to Frédéric Chopin depicting the composer seated at a piano. It symbolizes the deep cultural connection between Poland and South Korea. This monument is a focal point for various cultural events, including concerts promoting Chopin's music.

Vietnam

Bà Nà Hills
Bà Nà Hills, a resort town founded by French colonists in 1919, now serves as a leisure park with numerous attractions, including a bust of Frédéric Chopin. The somewhat stylized sculpture is mounted on a pedestal with an inscription in both Vietnamese and English, highlighting Chopin’s musical innovations, particularly in his ballads.

Australia and Oceania

Australia

Canberra
A monument to Frédéric Chopin was unveiled in 2011 in the Park of Nations in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It commemorates the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth and emphasizes his lasting influence on classical music in Australia.

Commemorative Plaques Honoring Frédéric Chopin Around the World

Europe

Austria

Vienna
On Kohlmarkt 9, a popular shopping street in Vienna leading towards the Hofburg Palace, a plaque marks the residence where Chopin stayed in 1830-1831. It was Chopin’s third residence in Vienna, after initially lodging at the inns "Zur Stadt London" and "Zum Goldenen Lamm." The plaque honors his time spent in the Austrian capital.

Czech Republic

Prague
A plaque marks the site of the "Czarny Koń" hotel, where Chopin stayed during his visits to Prague in 1829 and 1830. The plaque, created by Maria Durasová in 1961, commemorates his presence in the city.

Another plaque is located at Chopin’s lodging, "Pod Białym Łabędziem" (now Chopin House) in Mariánské Lázně, where the composer stayed in 1836. This site has become an important center of his memory, hosting annual Chopin festivals.

A marble plaque with a bas-relief and inscription commemorates Chopin’s stay in Karlovy Vary in 1835. It is placed along the "Chopin Trail" in the spa forest and was made by Antoni Popiel, a Polish artist, at the request of Polish emigrants.

France

In Paris, plaques commemorate Chopin at several of his former residences:

• Boulevard Poissonnière
• Place Vendôme
• Rue Pigalle 16
• Square d’Orleans 9

Spain

In Palma, Mallorca, a plaque commemorating Chopin’s stay was unveiled in 2010 on the street Carrer de la Mar. The plaque honors the winter of 1838-1839, when Chopin and George Sand resided on the island.

United Kingdom

London
In London, a plaque commemorates Chopin’s final public concert held in 1848 at the Guildhall. Additionally, another plaque marks his residence on St James’s Place, where he stayed during his last months in England.

Portraits of Frédéric Chopin in Fine Art

Eugène Delacroix, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1838-1839
One of the most iconic images of the composer, this painting originally depicted both Chopin and his companion, the writer George Sand. However, the painting was later divided into two separate works. The portrait of Chopin remained with pianist Antoine François Marmontel, and his son Antonin donated it to the Louvre in 1907. The portrait shows Chopin in three-quarter view, dressed modestly in dark clothing. The brushstrokes are visible, suggesting that the painting was left unfinished. A sketch preserved at the Louvre reveals that Sand was originally depicted on the left, embroidering while listening to Chopin play the piano.
Oil on canvas, 46 × 38 cm, Louvre Museum.

Andrew Carrick Gow, A Musical Story by Chopin, 1879
Recently discovered in the archives of Tate Britain, this painting portrays Chopin as a child among his peers. Painted in 1879, 30 years after Chopin’s death, it is a rare depiction of the composer as a child. This oil on canvas is a unique interpretation of his youth, with dimensions of 69.8 × 90.2 cm (framed: 104.5 × 125.3 × 13.3 cm). Catalog number N01529, Tate Britain.

Ary Scheffer, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1847
This portrait, housed at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris, was painted by Dutch-French artist Ary Scheffer, a close friend of Chopin. The image captures the composer’s elegance and sensitivity, portraying him in refined attire. Scheffer's personal relationship with Chopin allowed him to convey not just his physical appearance but also his inner world.
Oil on canvas, 70.3 × 54.2 cm, Musée Carnavalet.

Louis Gallait, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1843
Signed "Louis Gallait 1843," this oil on canvas painting (48.5 × 35.5 cm) originates from the Gand Bishop Collection and has been auctioned twice, in 2019 and 2024.

Böhringer, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, late 19th century
This small gouache portrait (6.5 × 5 cm) on ivory was sold at auction in 2019. It depicts Chopin in a delicate and intimate manner, typical of miniatures from that era. The piece is part of a private collection.

Luigi Calamatta, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, c. 1840
A pencil drawing measuring 29.2 cm × 28.4 cm, this portrait is part of the I/12 inventory. Calamatta’s depiction is both sensitive and accurate, capturing the composer's introspective nature.

Albert Colfs, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1961
A pastel and pencil drawing (24 cm × 18.3 cm), signed "A. Colfs d’après A. Graefle." The drawing bears a dedication to Anne-Marie Boutroux de Ferrà on the reverse. Inventory number I/24.

Teofil Kwiatkowski, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1849
This pen, sepia, ink, and pencil drawing (27.8 cm × 22 cm) is signed with an annotation from 1851, dedicating it to "Madame Dulong." Inventory number I/4.

Teofil Kwiatkowski, Chopin on his Deathbed, 1849
A pencil drawing measuring 11.1 cm × 15 cm (mounted in a passe-partout 27.8 cm × 32.3 cm). This drawing, created for Camille Pleyel, is signed and dated at the bottom left with the inscription "Chopin on his deathbed / for Chopin's friend Mr. Pleyel." Inventory number I/10.

Jean-Joseph-Bonaventure Laurens, Chopin Playing the Piano, n.d.
A pencil sketch (8.8 cm × 7.3 cm) from Laurens' album, likely based on a drawing by January Suchodolski from around 1844. Inventory number I/8.

Pierre Roche Vigneron, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1833
A lithograph from the "Album des pianistes," published by M. Schlesinger and produced in the Paris atelier of Gottfried Englemann. The portrait measures 19 cm × 26 cm and is part of inventory Im/84.

The catalog continues with detailed descriptions of other portraits, sculptures, medals, and memorabilia dedicated to Frédéric Chopin across the globe, reflecting his enduring impact on world culture.

Unknown Artist, Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1840s
This oil on canvas portrait (48.5 cm × 37.8 cm) is unsigned and part of the I/13 inventory. The artist's identity remains unknown, but the painting, dating back to the 1840s, reflects the romanticized depiction of Chopin popular during that period.

Drawings of Frédéric Chopin by Eugène Delacroix

George Sand and Frédéric Chopin, 1840
Medium: pencil
Location: Musée du Louvre, Paris
This drawing, known from reproductions, was created during one of the meetings between Delacroix, Chopin, and George Sand. It shows the profiles of Chopin and Sand in an intimate, informal moment, reflecting the close relationship between the two. The drawing is part of an album belonging to Sand.

Study of Frédéric Chopin’s Bust, 1838
Medium: pencil with white chalk
Location: Unknown
This is one of three preparatory studies for Delacroix’s famous double portrait of Chopin and George Sand. The pencil drawing with highlights in white chalk emphasizes Chopin's delicate features and artistic sensitivity.

Study of Frédéric Chopin’s Bust (Replica?), 1838
Medium: pencil
Location: Unknown
Possibly a replica or alternate version of the previous drawing, this study captures the composer’s melancholy expression and subtle facial features. The drawing underscores Delacroix's admiration for Chopin.

Caricature of Frédéric Chopin’s Face, 1840
Medium: pencil
Location: George Sand’s album
This caricature of Chopin was drawn by Delacroix in Sand’s private album. It represents a more casual and intimate portrayal of Chopin, contrasting with the more formal portraits.

Sketch of Frédéric Chopin’s Profile à la Dante, 1843-1846 (or 1849)
Medium: pencil
Location: Musée du Louvre, Paris
This sketch shows Chopin in profile, depicted in a Dante-like manner with a laurel wreath on his head, symbolizing artistic genius. Delacroix saw Chopin as the embodiment of genius, and this sketch serves as a touching tribute to his friend.

Rebus "Cher Chopin", 1843-1846 (or 1849)
Medium: pencil
Location: Unknown
This drawing, featuring the words "Cher Chopin," was Delacroix’s affectionate homage to the composer. It reflects the profound respect Delacroix held for Chopin’s artistry, captured in a simple yet evocative sketch.

Portrait de Chopin en Dante, c. 1763-1863
Medium: pencil
Dimensions: 29 cm × 24 cm
Location: Musée du Louvre, Paris
This drawing portrays Chopin styled as Dante, with his signature melancholic expression and a laurel wreath. It was drawn in black pencil on drawing paper and is part of the Louvre’s collection under inventory number RF20. This portrait was exhibited in Brussels in 1949 (catalog no. 147).

Sculptures and Medals of Frédéric Chopin

Antoine Bovy, Medallion Portrait of Frédéric Chopin, 1837 and 1847
Medium: bronze
Location: Various collections
Antoine Bovy, a renowned medallist, created two portrait medallions of Chopin. The first was produced in 1837, and a second version in 1847, capturing Chopin’s evolving appearance throughout his life. These medallions are some of the most iconic representations of the composer and are held in several collections worldwide.

Medallion of Frédéric Chopin, 1899
Medium: bronze
Location: National Portrait Gallery, London (inventory number NPG D7200)
This medallion, produced in 1899, portrays Chopin in profile. It remains a testament to the lasting admiration for the composer in the years following his death.

Richard Füredi, Polonaise
Location: Vigadó Concert Hall, Budapest
This 1866 sculpture, located in Budapest's Vigadó Concert Hall, commemorates Chopin's Polonaises, which were often performed by Franz Liszt. Füredi’s work captures the spirit of Chopin’s music, which resonated with audiences across Europe.

Wiktor Demanet, Bust of Frédéric Chopin
Medium: bronze, marble, terracotta
Dimensions: 44 cm × 32 cm × 28 cm
Location: Maison Communale, Saint-Gilles
Wiktor Demanet's bronze bust of Chopin is a realistic and introspective representation of the composer. The sculpture captures the solemnity and depth of Chopin’s inner world, reflecting his Romantic sensibilities. Demanet, a versatile artist, also created medallions of Chopin, many of which are held in private collections. Inventory number 30s.

Ksawery Dunikowski, Bust of Frédéric Chopin
Location: Budapest Academy of Music
Dunikowski's bust of Chopin stands in the Budapest Academy of Music, a testament to the composer’s influence on music education and performance throughout the world.

Szigfrid Pongracz, Bust of Frédéric Chopin
Location: Hungarian National Gallery
Szigfrid Pongracz created a celebrated bust of Chopin, which remains on display in Hungary’s National Gallery.

Selected Memorabilia of Frédéric Chopin in Museum Collections

Musée de la Vie Romantique, Paris
Location: 16 rue Chaptal
This museum, dedicated to the Romantic era, holds several objects connected to Chopin, including a cast of his hand, a design for his monument, and memorabilia related to George Sand.

Musée de la Musique, Paris
Among the collection are a Pleyel piano used by Chopin, a daguerreotype photograph, and a caricature of Chopin and George Sand.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris
This prestigious institution houses numerous manuscripts, first editions, and Chopin's death mask.

Museums and Memorial Salons Dedicated to Chopin

Chopin Museum in Valldemossa, Mallorca
This museum is located in the former Carthusian monastery where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-1839. The museum holds an extensive collection of memorabilia, including manuscripts, a piano used by Chopin, and documents detailing his stay on the island. It is an essential destination for those interested in his life and the Romantic era.

Chopin Salon in the Polish Library, Paris
The Chopin Salon in the Polish Library houses important relics such as Chopin’s chair, a medallion containing a lock of his hair, a Pleyel piano, his death mask, and plaster casts of his hands.

Chopin Museum in Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic
Located in the former guesthouse "Pod Białym Łabędziem," where Chopin stayed in 1836, this museum features a rich collection of memorabilia, including copies of his death mask and hand casts. It also serves as a hub for the annual Chopin festivals, which draw artists and music lovers from around the world.

This catalog of Chopin’s legacy continues with detailed descriptions of monuments, busts, and plaques in various locations, reflecting his profound and lasting influence on the global music and cultural scene.

Mural in Zagreb, Croatia, 2020
Artist: Boris Bare
Location: Dežmanov Prolaz
This large mural (300 m²) was created by Croatian street artist Boris Bare, commissioned by the Polish Embassy in Zagreb. The mural features Chopin’s silhouette embedded in the shape of a piano, surrounded by striped wallpaper-like patterns reminiscent of an old-fashioned living room. The lower part of the mural is adorned with plants, symbolizing nature's connection to Chopin’s music, and visually integrates into the surrounding alley. The mural is a tribute to the life and work of Chopin, making his presence felt in this vibrant urban space.

Interactive Bench in Tallinn, Estonia, 2010
Location: Liberty Square
An interactive bench was installed to commemorate the bicentennial of Chopin’s birth. The bench plays excerpts from Chopin’s compositions and features engraved inscriptions in both Polish and Estonian. The project was initiated by the Polish Embassy in Tallinn, symbolizing the lasting cultural ties between Poland and Estonia.

“Smart Bench” in Budapest, Hungary, 2023
Location: Various public spaces
This innovative "smart bench" measures environmental data like temperature and air quality while also playing music by Chopin and Franz Liszt. Installed in 2023, the bench reflects a modern approach to commemorating cultural figures, blending technology with the legacy of classical music.

Chopin’s Residences in Paris

• 27 Boulevard Poissonnière (1831-1832)
  Chopin’s first Parisian home was a two-room apartment on the 5th floor, where he lived from late September 1831 until June 1832. The apartment offered a panoramic view of Paris, stretching "from Montmartre to the Pantheon." Today, a plaque commemorates this location.
• 4 Cité Bergère (1832-1833)
  In December 1832, Chopin moved to a modest pension across the street from his previous address, where he stayed until June 1833. His room was located on the first floor of the small hotel.
• 5 Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin (Hôtel d'Epinay) (1833-1836)
  Chopin lived here from June 1833 to September 1836. He initially shared the apartment with his fellow Polish émigré, Dr. Alexandre Hoffmann, and later hosted his close friend Jan Matuszyński. The building no longer exists.
• 38 Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin (1836-1839)
  Chopin moved to this address in September 1836, where he lived for three years. He hosted many intimate musical evenings in this two-room apartment, surrounded by friends like Franz Liszt and Marie d'Agoult. The building no longer stands.
• 5 Rue Tronchet (1839-1841)
  Upon returning from Mallorca and Nohant, Chopin settled in this first-floor apartment from October 1839 to November 1841. It was located in a bourgeois district near the Church of La Madeleine.
• 16 Rue Pigalle (1841-1842)
  In November 1841, Chopin and George Sand moved into this residence, located in the garden behind two pavilions. They stayed there for about a year before moving to Square d'Orléans. Sand used the space to host many prominent figures of the Romantic era, and Chopin gave piano lessons there.
• 9 Square d'Orléans (1842-1849)
  In 1842, Chopin rented the ground floor of this luxurious square, where he lived for nearly seven years. His apartment consisted of a bedroom and a living room. He remained at this address until 1849, with a brief hiatus in 1848 when he traveled to England.
• 74 Rue de Chaillot (1849)
  In June 1849, Chopin moved to this second-floor apartment but left after just ten weeks.
• 12 Place Vendôme (1849)
  Chopin’s final residence was at this address, where he moved with his sister Ludwika in late September 1849. He died here on October 17, 1849, at the age of 39.

Other Notable Paris Locations Associated with Chopin

• Hôtel Cromot-du-Bourg (First Pleyel Salons)
  Location: 9 Rue Cadet
  Chopin gave his first public concert here on February 26, 1832. His final public concert in Paris, on February 16, 1848, also took place at this venue.
• Former Paris Conservatory
  Location: 2 Rue du Conservatoire
  Chopin performed here several times during his years in Paris. The venue was a focal point of the city’s musical life.
• Salle Le Peletier (Former Paris Opera)
  Location: 12 Rue Le Peletier
  The former Paris Opera, where Chopin attended many cultural events, including some of his own concerts.
• Pleyel Salons
  Location: 22 Rue de Rochechouart
  Chopin regularly performed at this prestigious venue, which was central to his musical life in Paris.
• Hôtel Lambert
  Location: 2 Rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Isle (or 1-3 Quai d’Anjou)
  A key meeting place for Polish émigrés, Chopin often visited this mansion owned by Prince Adam Czartoryski. It served as a cultural hub for Polish exiles in Paris.
• Hotel Washington Opera
  A historic hotel where Chopin participated in the banquet for Polish émigrants in July 1832.
• Church of La Madeleine
  Location: Place de la Madeleine
  Chopin’s funeral took place here on October 30, 1849, with 3,000 people in attendance. His body was then transported to Père-Lachaise Cemetery.

This detailed record continues to highlight the profound cultural legacy of Frédéric Chopin, with a focus on significant locations and memorials that celebrate his life and work. The global reach of Chopin's influence is captured in these monuments, plaques, and tributes that exist across continents, preserving the memory of the "poet of the piano" for future generations.