Henryk Siemiradzki. Catalogue Raisonné of the Paintings, Vol. 3. Siemiradzki Studies

The book "Siemiradzki Studies" presents a comprehensive exploration of Henryk Siemiradzki's artwork, building on research carried out for the Catalogue Raisonné of his paintings. This edition aims to offer a broader perspective compared to previous volumes, incorporating insights not only from art historians and museum curators but also from archaeologists and art conservators. This interdisciplinary approach is evident in the first section, which explores the connections between Siemiradzki's work and the artistic traditions of Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. This influence spans from his studies at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts to his time living in Rome, where the presence of antiquity was overwhelming. Additionally, the volume examines Siemiradzki's relationships with the contemporary European painting scene, paying special attention to Russian art and his impact on the artistic landscape in a Poland fragmented by partitions. The volume includes an Appendix with unpublished drawings and details of the painting textures from "Candleholders of Christianity" (Świeczniki chrześcijaństwa, cat. 7), a comprehensive listing and analysis of collections using archival sources, and a general bibliography for the Catalogue Raisonné covering Siemiradzki's life and work. The art-historical research section delves into lesser-known aspects of Siemiradzki’s oeuvre. Agnieszka Świętosławska explores his early realist works, while Veronika Irina Bogdan discusses his education and connections with the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. Marzena Królikowska-Dziubecka analyses the origins and contexts of his decorative projects. From a technical perspective, Paulina Adamczyk and Magdalena Laskowska summarize their findings on his graphic techniques, whereas Dominika Sarkowicz presents her conclusions on his painting methods.