Wyspiański

The National Museum in Kraków has gathered the largest and most valuable collection of works by Stanisław Wyspiański (1869-1907) — one of the most important, original and appreciated artist from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, who belongs among such artists as Klimt, Mucha and Gaudi; the exhibition comprises of about 900 works.

Around 500 pieces from the collection will be displayed as part of the largest exhibition of the artist’s works in Poland for 50 years (the last large display of his works from the Kraków collection was held at the Main Building of the National Museum in Kraków in 2000).

The 110th anniversary of Stanisław Wyspiański’s death, which occured in 2017, is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves about the creative output of this great poet and painter, playwright, designer, drawer, theatre reformist, graphic designer and scenographer. Just how Gustav Klimt’s life was linked to Vienna, Stanisław Wyspiański’s whole life was linked to Kraków — its churches and public utility buildings, for which he designed innovative, monumental pieces. The exhibition is also an introduction to a future permanent exhibition of his works in the renovated Main Building of the National Museum in Kraków. While still alive, Wyspiański donated some masterpieces to the Museum: the stained glass window designs for the Kraków Cathedral. In the year of the artist’s death, a committee was established with the aim to collect pieces representing the genius artist’s legacy at the National Museum. The majority of the pieces collected are drawings, scenographic and typographic designs, but the works also include an exquisite collection of portrays and landscapes, mostly pastels, at which Wyspiański was an absolute master, as well as a set of ornamental designs for the Franciscan Church in Kraków, the Wawel Cathedral and the Medical Association House. Apart from the above mentioned works, the exhibition will feature pieces of furniture, fabrics and other everyday objects created by Wyspiański, as well as his sculptures, graphic designs, art books and even some of the artist’s personal belongings.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a beautifully illustrated catalogue with descriptions of the greatest works by the famous author of "The Wedding" play from such disciplines as painting, sculpture, drawing, graphic design and applied arts.