This exhibition commemorates the 180th anniversary of Ignacy Korwin-Milewski's birth and the 100th anniversary of his death by showcasing his reconstructed art collection. The exhibition features around 250 paintings, including masterpieces of Polish painting, and explores the life and passion of this significant collector, patron, and eccentric aristocrat.
This exhibition honors Ignacy Korwin-Milewski (1846–1926), a notable Polish art collector and patron, on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death. The exhibition aims to present a reconstructed view of his collection, which originally comprised approximately 250 paintings that were dispersed after his passing. Korwin-Milewski meticulously built his collection over 30 years (1880–1910), commissioning works from Polish painters he knew from his time studying at the Royal Academy of Arts in Munich. He maintained relationships with these artists, some of whom he supported through patronage. A unique aspect of his collection was a significant group of portraits, particularly self-portraits, of artists he highly esteemed, starting with Jan Matejko's self-portrait.
The exhibition will display works from Korwin-Milewski's collection that resonate with visitors, including beloved and lesser-known pieces that are not always accessible in Polish museums. It will also delve into the controversial and fascinating biography of the collector himself. The narrative will touch upon his extensive travels and his passion for photography, featuring images from his yacht _LITWA_. While his colorful life as a wealthy aristocrat, an island owner in the Adriatic, a traveler, and a political writer with a legal education serves as a backdrop, the primary focus remains on the exceptional collection of paintings created by this uncompromising visionary. Korwin-Milewski's discerning eye for artistic value has been affirmed by time, with most of the works now considered canonical masterpieces of Polish painting.