9th Exhibition of the Society of Polish Artists ’Art’; IX Wystawa Towarzystwa Artystów Polskich ‘Sztuka’ Jan Stanislawski

The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by a stylized wreath suspended centrally within the frame. The wreath itself is rendered in shades of green, with hints of red suggesting berries or other seasonal ornamentation. Its form isnt perfectly circular; rather, it appears organic and somewhat asymmetrical, lending it a naturalistic quality despite its decorative purpose.
Beneath the wreath, the word Sztuka is displayed in an elaborate, calligraphic script. The lettering’s curves echo the shape of the wreath above, creating visual harmony between the two elements. The fonts style suggests a deliberate embrace of Art Nouveau aesthetics – flowing lines and decorative flourishes are prominent.
At the base of the composition, smaller text provides details about the exhibition: its title (IX Wystawa Towarzystwa Artystów Polskich ‘Sztuka’), date (October 14, 1905), location, and admission fee. The typography here is markedly different from that used for Sztuka, employing a more conventional, block-like font in a smaller size. This contrast emphasizes the importance of the exhibitions title while relegating logistical information to a secondary role.
The background is a uniform, muted red, which serves to isolate and highlight both the wreath and the text. The color choice contributes to a sense of formality and gravitas, appropriate for an official announcement related to an art exhibition.
Subtextually, the wreath likely symbolizes artistic creation itself – a cyclical process of inspiration, production, and renewal. Its association with seasonal imagery hints at themes of tradition and continuity within Polish artistic culture. The prominence given to Sztuka (meaning “Art” in Polish) underscores the central focus of the exhibition: the celebration and promotion of Polish art. The overall design conveys a sense of national pride and cultural identity, characteristic of the period when this poster was created.