Patriotic Postcards from Stanislaw Roehlke’s Collection

Abstract

In the article, I have analyzed 22 patriotic postcards from the collection of priest Stanislaw Roehle. Sources come from the first half of the twentieth century and concern mostly on the partitions of Poland. I have presented the multiplicity of motifs and symbols shown on postcards: images of Polonia, references to history – knights, insurgents, national heroes, important battles, heraldic motifs, symbol of White Eagle, folk and creators of Polish culture. I have tried to show their important function in Polish society: they appealed to the emotional sphere, taught moral attitudes, raised the national spirit, consolidated national consciousness, consolidated various social classes, taught history, raised hope and encouragement, showed the beauty of the fatherland and created the possibilities of presenting these contents to less educated layers. In the days after regaining independence, they became an expression of gratitude for their homeland and concern for its future destiny.