Polish landed gentry was once the backbone of national tradition. Every family had among its members land owners, officers, priests, lawyers, and public servants. Ignacy Dominik Radziszewski (1782–1853) followed this tradition. He lead the life of a typical nobleman, though enriched by numerous events connected with the stormy history of Poland. Ignacy Radziszewski was above all a patriot ready to serve the highest values. This is why he took part in Napoleon’s campaigns, in the uniform of a Polish officer, and later helped to mobilise the armed forces during the November Uprising. Earlier, he studied law, which later in his life allowed him to achieve the honourable title of magistrate in his district.
