Aleksander Gryglewski

Aleksander Gryglewski (1833–1879), Polish, Aleksander Konstanty Gryglewski, a distinguished Polish painter, was born on March 4, 1833, in Brzostek, into a minor noble family. His father, Kajetan, was a leaseholder of small landed estates, and his mother was Katarzyna née Solecka. Gryglewski's artistic journey began in Krosno, where he attended secondary school from 1847 to 1852, followed by his studies at the Fine Arts Department of the Technical Institute in Kraków from 1852 to 1857, alongside notable contemporaries such as Jan Matejko, Artur Grottger, and Aleksander Kotsis. His collaboration with Matejko, especially in mastering perspective under Professor Gustaw Seeberg's guidance, marked a significant phase in his early career.
Gryglewski's dedication to capturing the essence of Polish architectural heritage is evident in his meticulous paintings of Kraków's historic sites, particularly churches, between 1860 and 1869. His works gained prominence through reproductions in publications like 'Kłosy' and 'Tygodnik Ilustrowany.' Beyond Kraków, his artistic expeditions took him to Warsaw, Vilnius, and Gdańsk, where he immortalized Poland's architectural gems, including the interiors of Łazienki Palace, Wilanów Palace, and the Royal Castle in Warsaw. His travels also extended to Bardejov, Wieliczka, Prague, Vienna, and Lviv, enriching his portfolio with diverse architectural landscapes.
In his later years, Gryglewski served as the head of the perspective department at the School of Fine Arts in Kraków from 1877 until his death in 1879. His final works, created during summer stays in Gdańsk, include interior views of the Town Hall and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Gryglewski's legacy lies in his unparalleled contribution to preserving Poland's architectural history through his art, making him a pivotal figure in 19th-century Polish painting.