Jacek Malczewski

Jacek Malczewski was born on July 15, 1854 in Radom, died on October 8, 1929 in Krakow. As one of the most outstanding Polish painters representing the period of Young Poland, he was called the father of symbolism. As a child, the idea of ??patriotism was instilled in him by his father. Sensitive to the beauty of his native landscape, Malczewski started his artistic education in 1875. He attended the School of Fine Arts in Krakow as a free student, and then polished his workshop at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He started the drawing course, which he started at his alma mater, and he finished in 1879 in Matejko's master class.

Malczewski was mainly inspired by Polish folklore. He made many trips around European capitals, but always returned to his native lands and appreciated Polish art. He completed his works with mythological and biblical themes. The biographical thread played an important role in Malczewski's work. The artist has repeatedly presented his image in his paintings, took up existential issues and reflected on the sense of art.

The painter also devoted himself to professorship, became the rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow and founded a painting school for artistically talented rural children in Lusławice. Malczewski was awarded for his work at international competitions in Munich (1892), Berlin (1891) and Paris (1900). On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his painting work, the artist received the Order of Polonia Restituta. A year before his death, Malczewski was elected a member of the Academy of Science and Art in the Czech Republic, and then he was awarded the Grand Gold Medal in Poznań.