A meteor hits Warsaw

The works of one of the greatest Polish artists, Stanisław Wyspiański (1869-1907) are on display in the National Museum in Warsaw till the end of September. The compilation, entitled "Like A Meteor..." comprises about 200 pieces - oil paintings, pastels, sketches, designs and letters. It is a part of the celebration of the so-called "Year of Stanisław Wyspiański," a set of events commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the premature death of this leading Polish and European artist.

"What strikes one most in his art is his intellectual independence and versatility, and his awareness of every single component in the works," explained Anna Rudzińska, one of the exhibition's curators. "Apart from painting, he created outstanding literature and drama and operated in architecture and interior design. Moreover, his revolutionary design of books and newspapers influenced modern printing layouts," she added.

The exhibition is a fitting follow-up to the museum's prior display of works by Czech artist Alfons Mucha. Mucha and Wyspiański worked in the same period and are often compared to each other. Rudzińska admitted that the works of Wyspiański may be a challenge for foreigners, but are crucial for a clearer understanding of Polish culture.

For more information see www.mnw.art.pl