Towarzystwo Zachety Sztuk Pieknych ( The Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts ) was set up in 1860 and existed until 1939. Its aim was to popularize and promote Polish art (this during the time when Poland was under partitions), to organize educational activities, to help artists, to organize exhibits, to build up the collection of Polish art (purchasing works of art), to give stipends to young artists, and to engage in publishing activity. The collection of paintings from Zacheta was moved after the war to the National Museum in Warsaw forming the national collection of Polish paintings.  In 1900, the Society's seat was erected, a neorenaissance palace, which survived the war (one of the very few buildings that was not destroyed during World War II).

The Society was reactivated in 1990, and now its official name is Towarzystwo Zachety Sztuk Pieknych przy Galerii Zacheta. The Zacheta art gallery is a renowned gallery in Poland.

Organizational Summary provided by Michalina Byra.

Collection catalogue of the Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts in Warsaw

Published by the Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts, 1925.
      
Included are 250 biographies of Polish artists born between 1768 and 1889 listed as well as titles and descriptions of their works on display.
This collection was created as Poland was in its re-birthing stage after political consolidation and newly created independence on Europe's map after World War I. As was prevalent throughout the country at this time, an awareness of things "Polish" was being promoted for its citizens after years of foreign domination.

For more information and how to obtain a copy of a biography, please contact Paul S. Valasek at paval56@aol.com.

To read the article that appeared in Gen Dobry!.