13 Facts About Jacek Malczewski

Jacek Malczewski's works combined the predominant style of his time with historical motifs of Polish martyrdom, the romantic aspiration for national independence, Christian and Greek mythology, folk tales, and his love of the natural world.

Jacek Malczewski had already begun master classes with Jan Matejko in 1875 before embarking on the trip to France, and completed them in 1879 after his return from abroad.

In spite of considerable stylistic differences between them, Jacek Malczewski was greatly influenced by Matejko's historical painting filled with neo-romantic metaphor and patriotic themes.

In 1879, Jacek Malczewski completed a course in composition under Matejko.

Jacek Malczewski was equally impressed with the dramatic art of earlier Polish romantic painter Artur Grottger.

Jacek Malczewski's painting revolved around a few carefully selected motifs, constantly retold and expanded according to mythology and filled with national symbols.

Jacek Malczewski made several trips to Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Jacek Malczewski took part in an archaeological expedition organized by his friend Karol Lanckoronski.

Jacek Malczewski drew his inspiration from a wide variety of sources often exotic or biblical, and translated them back into Polish folklore, tradition and motifs in his own painting.

Jacek Malczewski was elected rector of the academy in 1912.

Jacek Malczewski's art has been compared to that of the Frenchman Gustave Moreau, the Swiss Arnold Bocklin, and even to the Spaniard Salvador Dali.

Jacek Malczewski's paintings won numerous awards at international exhibitions including Berlin in 1891, Munich in 1892, and Paris in 1900.

Jacek Malczewski lost his sight towards the end of his life and died in Krakow on 8 October 1929.