Jan Lebenstein (1930-1999), Creature of Bones, 1964

Jan Lebenstein (1930-1999) - prominent Polish painter and illustrator

Jan Lebenstein graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw between 1948 and 1954, studying in the studio of Artur Nacht-Samborski. A turning point in his career came when he won the Grand Prix at the First International Biennale of the Young in Paris in 1959. This prestigious award opened the way to his international career, and his work quickly gained critical and public acclaim.

In 1961, Lebenstein had a solo exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris, which solidified his position on the world art scene. His works were exhibited in major galleries and museums, including Amsterdam, New York, Rome, Oslo and Berlin, making him one of the most highly regarded Polish artists of the 20th century.

Lebenstein's work eludes clear classification. His paintings combine figurative and abstract elements, drawing inspiration from both Surrealism and archaic cultures. Characteristic of his style are expressive figures, poetic transpositions of the human figure and animal figures, in which he reflected his interest in mythology and the art of ancient civilizations.

Lebenstein's works remain an important part of the Polish and world artistic heritage to this day, distinguished by their extraordinary expressiveness and symbolic depth.