Maurycy Gottlieb

In the historic alleys of Drohobycz, a town once under Austrian rule in Galicia, on February 21 or 28, 1856, a painter was born whose starry skies were to be marked by unpredictable tragedies. Maurycy Gottlieb, a jewel of Polish realism and romanticism, came from a wealthy Yiddish- and Polish-speaking Jewish family. He received his tender introduction to the art world from Michał Godlewski in Lviv before his journey took him to Vienna, Krakow, Munich and finally Rome.

His career was riddled with triumph and loss. A student of the legendary Jan Matejko in Krakow, he left the city after an anti-Semitic incident, despite his close ties to Jacek Malczewski. However, Gottlieb's works, which carried the deep feeling of romanticism and the sharp eye of realism, inspired many. His stunning masterpiece "Shylock and Jessica," inspired by Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," gained attention not only for its art print, but also for the personal drama behind it. Jessica's face was based on Laura Rosenfeld, a woman who rejected Gottlieb's marriage proposal, and whose subsequent decisions deeply affected Gottlieb.

It is our mission to bring such exquisite works to life through our fine art prints. Maurycy Gottlieb's life story may have been tragic and short, but through our reproductions of his paintings, the brilliance and depth of his art will be preserved for generations. His works - whether sketches, unfinished paintings, or the breathtaking oil paintings - are a testament to his immense talent. With the fall of the Iron Curtain, Gottlieb's reputation blossomed on the world stage, and he will forever be remembered as one of the brightest stars in Polish art history. His legacy is also carried on by his brother Leopold Gottlieb, who also achieved fame as a painter. We are honored to tell Maurycy Gottlieb's story through our art prints and to ensure that his art continues to touch the hearts of art lovers worldwide.