Classics Renewed: Chełmiński and Styka Regain Their Brilliance

This phase focused on two valuable works:

“His Last Vision” by Jan Chełmiński – A moving piece by the renowned Polish battle painter, portraying the ethereal final moments of a soldier’s life. While Chełmiński is known for his realistic style, this painting is rich with deep patriotic symbolism.

“Portrait of Anne Koons Parrish” by Tadeusz Styka – A stunning portrait by the famous “Tadé,” capturing the elegance of the interwar period. Styka masterfully rendered the intricate details of the evening gown and the sparkle of jewelry—a diamond ring and a string of pearls—that give the subject a unique radiance.

Supporting Polish Art Restoration Through International Collaboration

This Polish art restoration work required specialized techniques to preserve the historical integrity of both pieces while revealing their original brilliance. This project, like previous editions, was made possible through generous support from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, funded by the Fund for the Promotion of Culture. It was carried out under the government’s “Protection of Cultural Heritage Abroad” program with assistance from the National Institute of Polish Cultural Heritage Abroad – Polonika.

Both paintings were restored by Anna Win-Leliwa, a highly respected Polish art restoration expert who has worked with the Foundation on many occasions. Her expertise includes prestigious restorations at Wilanów Palace and Baroque murals in Zwierzyniec.

The Foundation’s long-term collaboration with Ms. Win-Leliwa has brought back to life other masterpieces such as:

• Wojciech Kossak – “Wounded Legionnaire”

• Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski – “Horse Fair”

• Olga Boznańska – “Woman in a Blue Dress”

• Bolesław Czedekowski – “Kościuszko at West Point” (already in English)

• Jacek Malczewski – “The Last Journey”

• Jan Lebenstein – “Figure No. 84”

• Tadeusz Kantor – “Cracovie I” (proper noun, usually left untranslated)