figuralna

Figuralna is the feminine form of the Polish adjective figuralny, meaning “relating to figures” or “depicting figures.” The term is primarily used in artistic and descriptive contexts in Polish to describe works or styles that emphasize recognizable figures.

In visual arts, figuralna describes works that depict recognizable human or animal figures: rzeźba figuralna (figural sculpture), malarstwo figuralne (figurative painting), or ilustrowana figuralnie. It contrasts with non-figural or abstract approaches, such as abstrakcyjna sztuka.

The concept derives from figura, Latin for “figure,” and is used to distinguish figurative art from purely conceptual or geometric abstraction. The usage extends to design and photography, where figuralna compositions emphasize the presence of figures, expressions, or postures, as opposed to landscape-centric or purely abstract forms.

In linguistic or literary contexts, figuralna may appear to describe imagery or expressions that evoke figures or images, though Polish terminology more commonly uses phrases like język figuratywny or język przenośni to denote figurative language.

Examples include rzeźba figuralna, a sculpture depicting a figure, and malarstwo figuralne, painting that emphasizes representational subjects rather than non-representational forms. See also figurative art, figurative language, and illustrative art.