Artur Szyk (1894–1951), Ed. National Printing House; © Artur Szyk

Place: Łódź

Born: 1894

Death: 1951

Biography:

Artur Szyk was a Polish artist born in Łódź, Poland in 1894. He is known for his illustrations, political cartoons, and miniature paintings, which often depicted historical and political themes. Artur Szyk was influenced by his Jewish heritage and his experiences during World War II.

Early Life and Education

showed artistic talent as a child and was exposed to all modern trends in art while studying at Académie Julian in Paris. However, he decided to follow his own way, which hewed closely to tradition. He was especially attracted by the medieval art of illuminating manuscripts, which greatly influenced his later works.

Artistic Career

became a renowned artist and book illustrator as early as the interwar period. His works were exhibited and published in Poland and France, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States. He gained broad popularity in the United States primarily through his political caricatures, in which he savaged the policies and personalities of the leaders of the Axis powers. Some notable works by Artur Szyk include:

• Wilson and Paderewski – Postcard from the Cycle: “Pictures from the Glorious Days of the Polish-American Fraternity”, which can be found on Wikioo.org
• The Last Judgment (Triptych) by Hans Memling, which is part of the collection at Muzeum w Warszawie

Legacy

is known and exhibited only in his last country of residence, the United States. His work is characterized by its social and political commitment, and its formal aspect is marked by a rejection of modernism and an embrace of the traditions of medieval and renaissance painting. For more information about Artur Szyk, visit Wikipedia or explore his works on Wikioo.org. Some of his notable works can also be found in the collections of Muzeum w Warszawie and The Museum Pomorskie (Danzig, Poland), which are featured on Wikioo.org. Discover the world of art with Wikioo.org and explore the works of Artur Szyk and other renowned artists.