material: oil on canvas
dimensions: 262 × 146 cm
description: The idea for a portrait of one of the best-known and appreciated Polish actresses came up at a ball held at Sukiennice in 1879, right after Helena Modrzejewska’s first performance in Poland since her immigration to America. Everyone at the ball was captivated by Modrzejewska, wearing a beautiful evening gown. During the same event, the possible opening of the National Museum in Sukiennice became very probable, leading the artist to decide to paint a portrait of the actress for the future museum. The image stirred conflicting emotions, and many people disputed its accuracy. Henryk Sienkiewicz, a famous Polish writer who was very close with the actress, claimed that the artist’s rendition of his friend was true, and that in the painting she was herself, the real Helena, free from the crowds which so often followed her every step. This image of Modrzejewska is the first of three portraits of actresses painted by Ajdukiewicz.
exposition: The Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art in Sukiennice,
The Cloth Hall, 1, Main Market Square
key: Around the academy >>>
dimensions: 262 × 146 cm
description: The idea for a portrait of one of the best-known and appreciated Polish actresses came up at a ball held at Sukiennice in 1879, right after Helena Modrzejewska’s first performance in Poland since her immigration to America. Everyone at the ball was captivated by Modrzejewska, wearing a beautiful evening gown. During the same event, the possible opening of the National Museum in Sukiennice became very probable, leading the artist to decide to paint a portrait of the actress for the future museum. The image stirred conflicting emotions, and many people disputed its accuracy. Henryk Sienkiewicz, a famous Polish writer who was very close with the actress, claimed that the artist’s rendition of his friend was true, and that in the painting she was herself, the real Helena, free from the crowds which so often followed her every step. This image of Modrzejewska is the first of three portraits of actresses painted by Ajdukiewicz.
exposition: The Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art in Sukiennice,
The Cloth Hall, 1, Main Market Square
key: Around the academy >>>