Jan Siestrzyński (1788–1824), founder of Poland’s first lithographic workshop. J. F. Piwarski. 1855–1859. Zinc print on Chinese paper, mounted on cardboard; 21.5 x 17 cm (plate: 46.5 x 32.5 cm)
A bust in an oval frame resting on a pedestal with a description of the figure; below is an extensive biography of Siestrzyński. Jan Siestrzyński, a physician and social activist, learned the secrets of lithography in Munich. In 1818, together with Aleksander Chodkiewicz, he established the first lithographic workshop on Polish soil. He worked as a teacher at the Institute for the Deaf and Mute in Warsaw. Above the portrait are the inscriptions: “Kram Malow.” and “Portrait Section No. 2.” The print comes from the famous album *Kram Malowniczy Warszawski, or Local Scenes from Times Past*. It is the work of Jan Feliks Piwarski (1794–1859), a printmaker, painter, educator, and curator of the Print Room at the University of Warsaw. Piwarski was one of the pioneers of lithography in Poland, achieving a level of mastery in this technique that was highly regarded by his contemporaries. The artist’s dry stamp appears in the lower margin, and his signature is located below the biographical note. Tears in the wide margins, minor soiling; otherwise in good condition.
Lit.: J. Czerzniewska, J. Talbierska, Jan Feliks Piwarski, Warsaw 2009, p. 114, item q, ill.
