From Matejko to Wojtkiewicz. At the Dawn of Modernity

The history of Polish painting in the 19th century is continuously intriguing. At that very time it began to occupy a prominent place in Polish culture as art able to very quickly respond to current events. The catalogue of reasons for this attitude shift also includes changes in the system of education that elevated painters to a higher social position. The exhibition “From Matejko to Wojtkiewicz. At the Dawn of Modernity” helps us take a closer look at the search for modern style and opens up the possibility to see the collection of Polish painting in the Herbst Palace Museum from a different perspective.

The narrative of the exhibition develops around the history of the Krakow School of Fine Arts, one of the oldest artistic universities in Poland that exerted significant impact upon the shape of the art of painting in the second half of the 19th century. The first part of the exhibition is dominated with paintings of Jan Matejko and exhibits from his collection while the second one presents artworks by eminent painters: Matejko’s students and professors of the Krakow School.

Jan Matejko (1838–1893), probably the most recognisable Polish painter, was a crucial personality in Krakow art circles. His historical paintings were highly appreciated by his contemporaries. Historical images created by Matejko solidified national identity of Poles. In 1873 he was nominated the Director of the School of Fine Arts in Krakow. Matejko occupied the post for twenty years and initiated new directions of development for the School.

Among Jan Matejko’s paintings presented at the exhibition we will find: “Poisoning of Queen Bona” (1859), “Jan III Sobieski Oath in Częstochowa” (1859), “The Alchemist Sędziwój and King Sigismundus III” (1867). Moreover, we will see sketches to paintings and costumes recreations. Jan Matejko collection presented for the first time ever in Łódź will surely be an attraction. It is a unique and exceptional reflection of Matejko’s interest in history and monuments. The exhibition will show parts of costumes, jewellery and products of artistic craftsmanship.

The second part of exhibition is devoted to painters from Krakow School and includes, inter alia, works of artists, such as: Maurycy Gottlieb, Stanisław Wyspiański, Włodzimierz Tetmajer, Jan Stanisławski, Leon Wyczółkowski, Józef Mehoffer, Jacek Malczewski, and Witold Wojtkiewicz.

Artworks presented to the public come from the collection of Herbst Palace Museum, branch of Muzeum Sztuki in Łódź, and House of Jan Matejko, branch of Krakow National Museum.

Herbst Palace Museum offers a rich educational programme addressed to different groups of audience. A series of lectures, meetings for adults and family workshops are designed to provide participants with more detailed knowledge about works presented at the exhibition and their authors.

Curator: Dorota Berbelska

Coordinator: Rafał Kupiński


Exhibition will be open between 10 June 2016 – 15 October 2017