Śmierć (1902)
by Jacek Malczewski
Polish (1854-1929)

Jacek Malczewski is one of the most important Polish symbolist painters. Malczewski is associated with the Young Poland movement (Młoda Polska), a modernist period in Polish culture following more than a century of Partitions of Poland. Therefore Polish martyrdom, romantic ideas of independence, local folklore, and death were recurrent motifs in Malczewski’s oeuvre.

This hopeful message certainly bears some religious undertones. Look at this old man: he seems to be ready to die, his head turned towards death and his neck tense. His hands clutched in prayer, his fingers fiddling with a small medallion with Virgin Mary, something that many Polish Catholics wear even today.

Death looks almost like a Greek goddess. However, it’s difficult to understand her facial expression: is she feeling pity for this old man? Or is she just focused on doing her job?

Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging