Józef Chełmoński (1849–1914) was an eminent painter in Polish Realism known for his emotionally charged landscapes and genre paintings. His works speak to the historical and social contexts of the late Romantic period, during the partitions of Poland.
Chełmoński approached the beauty and spirit of the Polish pastoral life, the peasants, animals, and the changing seasons with great care. He displayed great sensitivity to atmosphere and light and painted nature in a way that made it feel alive.
Born in the village of Boczki, Chełmoński spent his early years surrounded by the fields and skies that shaped his art. He studied in Warsaw and Munich and lived several years in Paris, where he exhibited at the Salon. Upon returning to Poland in the 1880s, he found new inspiration in familiar landscapes.
2. Indian Summer
Indian Summer was created during Chełmoński’s early Warsaw period. In the spring and summer of 1874, Chełmoński finished his studies and spent some time on the Ukrainian steppes in Munich. There, he was deeply inspired by the wilderness and the local communities, which brought new energy to his artistic creativity.
The painting depicts a peasant girl lying on the meadow, gently catching spider webs one can see floating in the Indian summer days. The scene is defined by its spacious setting and the subtle, diffused light that fills it. The girl’s bare, unwashed feet reflect an unfiltered lifestyle contrary to the idealized representations of women typical to this era. Through this quotidian subject, Chełmoński captures the subtle poetic beauty of rural life, connecting human existence closely with nature.
3. Storks
After several years in Paris, Chełmoński returned to Poland in the late 1880s. An art capital of that time, Paris boasted modern salons and Impressionism, but Chełmoński remained grounded in Realism and rural life. His time abroad broadened his artistic perspective, yet it was his return to the Polish countryside that reignited his deep connection to the land.
Storks, painted in 1900, reflects this return to his Polish roots. The painting depicts a father and son taking a break from plowing, looking up to a flock of storks flying overhead—a symbol of the arrival of spring and its cyclical nature. The storks also represent hope, new beginnings, and good fortune for the year ahead. As the storks bring with them the promise of prosperity, the artist captures a peaceful moment that also symbolizes the deep bond between humans and nature.
4. Partridges
The painting depicts a small flock of partridges huddling together in a wintry, snow-covered landscape. The misty horizon and fields covered in snow create a sense of isolation, while the delicate use of yellows, pinks, and browns in the foreground adds warmth to the scene.
Chełmoński’s careful observation of the birds shows his strong connection with the natural world. The landscape, though harsh, reflects the resilience of life, capturing the quiet, lasting power of the surroundings in his work.
5. Thunderstorm
Thunderstorm captures a sudden burst of nature’s power, set within a horizontal composition. The scene shows young herders crouching against a strong gust of wind and an approaching storm. In the foreground, a young boy, overwhelmed by the wind, grips his hat as it’s torn from his hand. Behind him, another child crouches, wrapping himself in a cloth, trying to shield himself from the storm, while a third child chooses to brave the wind, keeping his head low. A fourth child, a girl, runs after the cattle, which are startled by the storm, and darts away in panic. Dust and grass blades are blown through the air, under an orange-pink sky with flashing lightning.
6. Four-in-hand
Four-in-hand is one of the most famous examples of Polish naturalism. It depicts a quadriga driven by a Ukrainian peasant charging toward the viewer. The horses, captured in a wild, frantic gallop, seem almost to leap out of the canvas, enhancing the sense of unstoppable movement. The background is a vast, monotonous landscape, which juxtaposes with the energy of the main subject.
The painting uses a limited palette of browns and grays, which intensifies the realism and energy of the moment. Four-in-hand captures not only movement but also the power and temperament of both the animals and the people, highlighting their raw vitality and connection to the land.
7. Idyll
This pastoral scene portrays a peaceful moment between two Polish peasants. It reflects an idealized view, showing the serene moments Chełmoński observed in the countryside of Poland after leaving Paris. The work was gifted to his close friend, actress Helena Modjeska (Modrzejewska).
The full title Idyll: After the Storm, suggests that the painting reflects more than just an idealized rural scene. It alludes to Chełmoński’s own personal journey, possibly capturing his return after years abroad and his longing for the simplicity of the countryside. This theme of renewal and connection to the land was also something that his friend Helena Modjeska deeply valued in her own life.
8. Dawn
Dawn is the only painting where Chełmoński’s departs from his usual realistic style for a more abstract approach.
Painted with light, translucent colors in delicate layers, the scene depicts a featureless landscape. No trees, animals, or people in sight. Nor are there any recognizable topographical markers. A pale mist spreads above the green fields, evoking the calm of early morning. This creates a gentle, almost serene atmosphere, where color and light take center stage. The painting stands as a rare example in Chełmoński’s work, in which an exploration of pure color and form outshines his typical theme of rural life.
9. Cranes
Returning to the early stages of Chełmoński’s career, this one reflects the artist’s first major works inspired by his travels to the Eastern Borderlands. Painted in Warsaw, this piece captures a flock of cranes taking flight at dawn, ready to take off before the coming winter.
The misty, wetland landscape creates a sense of quiet prospect, with the graceful birds rising into the sky. A crane with a broken wing adds a sense of vulnerability to the scene.
The delicate color palette of grays, browns, and blacks, punctuated by the warm glow of dawn, evokes a quiet, intimate mood, highlighting the artist’s early mastery of capturing nature’s beauty and emotion.
10. Summer Evening
Chełmoński’s work often brings nature to life with intense realism, yet Summer Evening creates a different atmosphere, filled with mystery and subtle contrasts. The scene of a young woman in a contemplative pose, framed by the soft light of a summer evening, is contrasted by the dark male figures. The interplay of light and darkness evokes a timeless quality as summer evenings quickly give way to the dimmer hours of night.
Józef Chełmoński’s work spans a wide range of subjects from intimate rural scenes to dramatic landscapes, always with a sense of deep observation and emotion. His art can now be explored in a major exhibition at the National Museum in Kraków, Poland, offering an opportunity to dive into his remarkable artistic journey. The exhibition showcases a broad selection of works from both public and private collections, highlighting iconic paintings as well as lesser-known pieces, giving visitors a thorough insight into his artistic journey.
This show is a must-see for those drawn to landscape painting or 19th-century European art. It offers a rare chance to reconnect with nature through the eyes of an artist who found the extraordinary in the ordinary and captures it with stunning depth.
The exhibition Chełmoński is on view until November 30, 2025, in the National Museum in Kraków, Poland.
Author’s bio
Kinga Dobosz is an enthusiast of all things art and creativity. Constantly visiting art galleries, writing, traveling, reading (preferably in a cozy cafe or park), and photographing literally everything.
