„Bierzcie więc przykład ze mnie, bierzcie otuchę z mej pracy”

Abstract

Words addressed to the students of Cracow Fine Arts School in 1883 by the artist became an inspirationto raise a subject of work ethos in the life of Jan Matejko. Matejko, the most eminent Polish historicalpainter thanks to his talent and knowledge about the reality of epochs which he portrayed, capturedhistorical imagination of the Poles determining the artistic shape of our history.Matejko is the author of more than three hundred twenty oil paintings, several thousand drawingsketches, a couple of hundred projects of the polychrome, stained glass, altars and statues. He was a „Titan”,not only artist. His paintings received the most prestigious awards. Also honorary memberships ofthe European artistic associations were bestowed on him. In 1873 Matejko took the management of CracowFine Arts School, he was in charge of it for 20 next years. He also succeeded in the field of saving theCracow historical treasure and managing the organization of the National Museum in Cracow. His activelife, not only artistic, aroused interest among researchers. Matejko’s attitude to the creative work and histalent, his seeking motivation for the work, sources of the inspiration and the influence of his outlook onthe world will be depicted in the light of letter-writing and memoirs sources.