Józef Mehoffer’s competition design for the polychrome decoration of the Franciscan Church in Kraków, 1894. An attempt to reconstruct the artist’s decorative concept

Józef Mehoffer’s competition design for the painting decoration of Franciscan Church in Kraków 1894 has not yet been found. This article is an attempt to reconstruct artist’s decorative concept on basis surviving sketches project, as well notes drawn and written a sketchbook from 1893–1894. The artist, who was Paris February 1894, heard about Tadeusz Stryjeński. project he sent jury May did meet formal requirements; it too sketch-like unpolished accepted. Mehoffer began work with detailed studies sources iconography, documented by his drawings sketchbook. These bear witness technical dependence Jan Matejko painters historicist school. meticulous approach this respect perhaps one reasons why completed within three-month deadline set jury. A stylistic analysis leads conclusion that they were created under influence Matejko’s polychrome presbytery St Mary’s Kraków, other sacral second half 19 th century, associated current academic historicism – important model Polish artist undoubtedly chapels Notre Dame Cathedral Eugène Viollet-le-Duc Maurice Ouradou. owed much inspiration iconography design, which dominant motifs depictions 13 -century saints, nuns, female rulers Piast princes, work, "The Defeat Legnica Rebirth Poland. 1241", 1888. overall vision Church, include but described notes, went beyond historicism. It demonstrates sensitivity new trends art at turn 20 fact already aware profound changes taking place style monumental perception its function.