Adam and Tadeusz Styka, sons of the eminent painter Jan Styka, continued the family artistic tradition, gaining recognition in the art world. Adam became famous as a master of landscape and oriental scenes, while Tadeusz distinguished himself as an outstanding portraitist. The two brothers, although active in different trends, together built an artistic heritage that combined precise technique, patriotism and a deep understanding of human nature.

The work of Adam Styka

Adam Styka, son of Jan Styka, was born on 7 April 1890 in Kielce and from an early age was strongly influenced by his father, who instilled in him a love of art. As the son of one of Poland's most prominent panoramic painters, Adam continued the family tradition, but his artistic path, although similar to his father's, was marked by his own inspirations and styles.

After completing his education in Poland, Adam Styka studied painting in Paris, at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Paris also saw the beginning of his fascination with light and colour, which over time became his trademarks.

His works are characterised by rich colours and realistic depiction, often inspired by exotic landscapes, especially from North Africa. During his life, Adam travelled many times, particularly to Morocco, where he created a series of paintings depicting oriental scenes. These exotic subjects became a source of great inspiration for him and gave his works a distinctive, warm tone in which light played a key role.

As a painter, Adam Styka developed his own style, full of emotion and expressiveness, paying homage to his family tradition but at the same time setting a new direction. His paintings often depicted the daily life of the Moroccan people, military or religious scenes, but also portraits and landscapes. One of his most recognisable series was his depictions of oriental warriors, which brought him recognition in Europe and the United States.

International success and American career

After the Second World War, Adam Styka moved to the United States, where he gained wide recognition for his work. Thanks to his talent and the support of numerous art patrons, his works quickly found their way into many prestigious galleries and private collections.

In the United States, the artist became known as the 'painter of light', and his paintings became popular with art lovers fascinated by exoticism and realism. His depictions of desert landscapes, scenes of Bedouin life or portraits of oriental figures attracted attention and delighted in both composition and detail.

One of the most characteristic elements of Adam Styka's style was his ability to capture various shades of light, which gave his works a unique atmosphere. His paintings, full of sunlight reflecting on the desert sand or the skin of warriors, had a mystical aura that attracted viewers.

In America, Adam Styka also gained recognition as a creator of religious paintings, thus drawing on the tradition of his father. His religious works gained a place in many churches and private collections, and his talent for realistic depiction of biblical scenes was often compared to the work of Jan Styka.

The work of Tadeusz Styka

Tadeusz Styka, born on 13 April 1889 in Kielce, was the son of Jan Styka, a prominent Polish painter, and brother of Adam Styka. Growing up in an artistic family, he was surrounded by art from an early age, and his talent as a painter developed under his father's watchful eye. However, Tadeusz followed a slightly different path to his father and brother, focusing on portraiture and artwork that reflected both his artistic talent and his strong sense of patriotism.

Tadeusz Styka, like his brother Adam, was educated in Paris, where he studied painting at the Académie Julian, one of the most important art schools of the time. In the art capital, he came into contact with many trends and artists who influenced his further work. His work quickly gained recognition and, thanks to his skills as a portraitist, Styka became popular among the French elite. His portraits were prized for their perfect representation of the character and personality of the people portrayed.

In contrast to his father's monumental works, Tadeusz focused on more intimate representations, above all portraits, which were characterised by deep realism and an ability to capture the psychological nuances of the figures. His work drew on the tradition of European portrait painting, but at the same time introduced modern elements, particularly in the play of light and colour.

Among Tadeusz Styka's most famous works are portraits of both well-known personalities and anonymous models. His portraits are characterised by a precise line, perfect representation of details and the ability to bring out the emotions and character of the figure on canvas. As an outstanding portraitist, Styka painted portraits of, among others, Pope Pius XI, politicians, artists and people of science. His works, although realistic, were not devoid of artistic interpretation, which added to their unique character.

A particularly valued work is the portrait of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, an outstanding pianist and politician, with whom the Styka family had close relations. Tadeusz Styka's portrait of Paderewski is considered one of the most beautiful depictions of this great Pole, reflecting both his dignity and artistic soul.

Like his father, Tadeusz Styka took up religious themes in his work, although on a smaller scale. His paintings on Christian themes, such as portraits of saints and depictions of Jesus, were highly regarded both in Europe and in the United States, where he spent much of his life. In his religious works, as in his portraits, Styka focused on showing the spiritual dimension of the figures he depicted, trying to convey their inner strength and faith.

Tadeusz Styka died on 11 September 1954 in New York.

Paintings in St Adalbert's Church

St Adalbert's Church in New York is home to three paintings by Adam and Tadeusz Styka. In 2024, the conservation studio under the direction of Anna Leliwa, M.A., carried out their conservation. The work included removing the paintings from their frames, thoroughly cleaning both the painting surfaces and the backs of the canvases, and filling in paint defects. The work depicting St Adalbert additionally required the repair of a minor tear. The frames of the other two paintings, of St Christopher and St Anne, were carefully cleaned and the convex parts were gilded with 24-carat wax-metal paste. After conservation, the paintings were reinstalled in the restored frames. The conservation of the paintings was carried out in 2024 on the initiative of the Kosciuszko Foundation thanks to the financial support of Mrs Krystyna Piórkowska.

For providing information on the paintings at St Adalbert's Church in New York, we thank Mr Marek Skulimowski, President of the Kosciuszko Foundation. Information about the paintings was compiled on the basis of post-conservation documentation.