In Autumn 1890

Jacek Malczewski painted "In Autumn," an oil on canvas, during a period when Poland was partitioned and yearning for national identity. The work presents us with a vast, melancholic landscape. Two figures lie in the foreground: one in a light pink dress, the other cloaked in darker hues, almost hiding. These figures can be understood as allegorical representations of youth and maturity, innocence and experience. The landscape itself mirrors this duality, with the vibrant, yet fading colors of autumn symbolizing a transition, a passage of time that carries both beauty and a sense of loss. Malczewski often infused his paintings with symbolism tied to Polish history and mythology, reflecting a desire to reclaim and redefine Polish identity through art. The emotional weight of the piece is palpable, a reflection of the artist’s own experiences and the collective consciousness of a nation seeking its place in the world. "It is not enough to be a painter," Malczewski said, "one must also be a poet." "In Autumn" certainly captures this sentiment.