Frieze Masters 2026

Nina Bobieńska (1880–1966) studied under Jacek Malczewski, of the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, before continuing her training in Florence and Rome. In 1900 she was one of eight women who petitioned for admission to Kraków’s Academy of Fine Arts, an institution that would not formally open its doors to women until 1918. Although she was an accomplished painter and draughtswoman, specialising primarily in portraiture, she devoted much of her career to art education, where she became one of Poland's most progressive and influential teachers.

Bobieńska developed an innovative teaching method that encouraged children to discover their own artistic ideas through conversation and observation, rather than copying prescribed models. Considered remarkably forward-looking for its time, her approach emphasised creativity, individual expression and visual understanding.

From 1918 onwards she taught at a succession of leading institutions, serving first as a professor at art secondary schools, then at the Higher Teacher Training Course, and, from 1932, as a drawing instructor at the State Institute of Handicrafts. There she trained future teachers in drawing pedagogy and developed methodological courses for artists preparing to enter the teaching profession.

She summarised her educational philosophy in several influential publications, including Wstęp do nauki rysunku (Introduction to Drawing, 1948) and Uczymy się rysować (Learning to Draw, 1958). In recognition of her contribution to Polish art education, she was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

A note on the provenance

Gabriela Balicka-Iwanowska (1867–1962) was one of the most remarkable Polish women of her generation: a pioneering botanist, educator, women's rights advocate and politician. She is remembered both for her scientific achievements and for her role in public life during the early years of independent Poland. One of the first Polish women to obtain a PhD in the natural sciences, she graduated from the University of Geneva in 1893. Returning to Poland, she combined scientific research with teaching before becoming increasingly involved in politics. Following Poland's independence in 1918, she served as a Member of Parliament from 1919 until 1935. Closely associated with the National Democratic movement (Endecja), she became a leading figure in the National Women's Organisation. In Parliament she worked particularly on education, public health, women's civil rights and social welfare.