Stanisław Witkiewicz

Stanisław Witkiewicz (1851–1915), Polish, Stanisław Witkiewicz, a pivotal figure in Polish art and architecture, was born on May 21, 1851, in Poszawsz, and passed away on September 5, 1915, in Lovran. His early life was marked by the turmoil of the January Uprising, during which he served as a courier and supplier for guerrilla units, a role that led to his family's exile to Tomsk following the uprising's suppression. It was in Tomsk that Witkiewicz began his artistic journey, taking his first drawing lessons. His formal education in art took him to the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and later to Munich, where despite financial hardships and a battle with tuberculosis, he honed his craft.
Upon returning to Warsaw in 1875, Witkiewicz immersed himself in the vibrant cultural scene, sharing a studio with notable artists and forging connections with literary giants like Bolesław Prus and Henryk Sienkiewicz, the latter of whom provided him with a scholarship. His role as the artistic director of the weekly 'Wędrowiec' allowed him to shape modern art criticism in Poland. In 1890, Witkiewicz moved to Zakopane, where his fascination with local folk art led to the creation of the Zakopane Style, a unique architectural and design movement. His legacy includes iconic projects such as the Koliba and Dom pod Jedlami, which stand as testaments to his innovative vision and deep appreciation for Polish folk traditions.