A record on the Polish art market. The painting „Reality” by Jacek Malczewski auctioned for PLN 22.2 million

Deca Unicum CEO: We have a record on the Polish art market TVN24

The artwork „Reality” by Jacek Malczewski fetched a remarkable 22.2 million zlotys. „This piece captured the imagination of art historians, museum professionals, and critics,” remarked Agata Szkup, chairwoman of the board of Desa Unicum, during her appearance on TVN24. When inquired about the buyer, she simply stated that „the painting will remain in Poland.”

The piece „Reality,” created by one of the foremost figures of Polish symbolism, Jacek Malczewski, has achieved a record on the Polish art market for the second time. The painting was auctioned on Thursday at the event „Jacek Malczewski and His Epoch,” initially for PLN 18.5 million, which, after including the auction fees, resulted in a final price of PLN 22.2 million.

Jacek Malczewski’s „Reality” Sold. The New Owner May Never Get the Picture tvn24

READ MORE ABOUT THE TRANSACTION: This is the most expensive work on the Polish art market >>>

An image that only existed in a photo

– This artwork ignited the imagination of art historians, museum curators, and critics, solely from a black-and-white photograph taken in the early 20th century, Agata Szkup, president of the board of Desa Unicum, shared with TVN24. – The piece was last publicly displayed in 1926 in Lviv, at the Society of Friends of Fine Arts, and has always remained in private ownership – one family, Polish-German, residing in Silesia – she explained.

– Following the war, the family relocated to Germany as part of a family reunion initiative, bringing the painting as part of their resettlement property. It stayed with them until 2002, when it reemerged on the Polish market. We assisted in its return to Poland – she continued. – In December 2022, the artwork was presented at a major auction of old art. Unfortunately, the sale was conditional due to a notice filed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage with the prosecutor’s office regarding the alleged illegal export of the piece to Germany in the 1950s – she noted.

„Reality” by Jacek Malczewski District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw

The museum didn’t purchase it; a collector did.

– The sale did not proceed at that time. The legal proceedings at the prosecutor’s office extended for two and a half years. Earlier this year, we were notified that the painting had been cleared of all charges, allowing us to finalize the transaction in 2022 – she reported. At that moment, the National Museum in Warsaw exercised its right of first refusal. We reached out to this institution with information that we could proceed with the finalization. Unfortunately, we were informed that funding had been suspended – the institution lacked the necessary funds – stated Szkup.

– Thus, we opted to auction the painting again, starting the bidding at the price established two and a half years prior – she concluded.

– On June 12, this artwork was auctioned once more. The starting price was anchored to the previous record – we began at PLN 17 million – reported Agata Szkup, president of the board of Desa Unicum. – The auction concluded at PLN 18.5 million. Indeed, the painting was acquired by a private collector, who will ultimately pay PLN 22.2 million for it – she added.

When asked about the buyer, she simply replied that „the painting will stay in Poland.”

The painting „Reality” by Jacek Malczewski at DESA Unicum at Piękna TVN24

The Polish art market is gaining strength

– This marks a record on the Polish art market. We have once again surpassed the significant threshold of 20 million zlotys. This indicates that the Polish art market is evolving dynamically and thriving. Polish collectors are in search of exceptional works

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