House of Branicki (Gryf)

The Branicki family (plural: Braniccy) was a Polish szlachta (nobility) family. Since Polish adjectives have different forms for the genders, Branicka is the form for a female family member.

The Branicki family, also called the "Griffin Clan" (Gryfici), was a magnate family, originating from Branice and Ruszcza in the Kraków Voivodeship. One of the most prominent members of the family was Field and Great Crown Hetman Jan Klemens Gryf Branicki. Jan was one of the most powerful and influential magnates in Poland during the 18th century. He was the owner of 12 cities, 257 villages, 17 palaces and two primeval forests.

In 1726, he built the Branicki Palace, the "Versailles of Podlasie". He also laid out the central part of the town of Białystok with its triangular market. He started in the King's election of 1763–1764, but was beaten by his brother-in-law, Stanisław Poniatowski.

The Branicki family used the Gryf coat of arms.

Seal of Białystok used by Izabela Branicka after the death of Jan Klemens Branicki with the initials IB and the Griffin (beginning of the 18th century).

Coat of arms of Choroszcz with the Griffin and Ciołek of Izabela Branicka née Poniatowska

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