There is a gravestone of Maria Dulębianka (1858-1919) in the Cemetery of the Defenders of Lviv. She was an outstanding painter, writer, publicist and women's rights activist. Her life and work were a testament to her incredible passion and commitment to social and artistic causes.

Early years and education
Maria Dulębianka was born on 21 November 1848 in Kraków. Her tombstone bears an incorrect date of birth. The year 1861 was given by the old press, and the artist did not correct it. It was not until Władysław Rudziński found the artist's baptismal certificate, which took place at St Mary's Church in Krakow.

Dulębianka came from a wealthy family who supported her artistic interests. In her youth, she showed talent for painting, which set her on an artistic path. She began her studies at Justyna Maliszewska's boarding school and continued them for a year in Vienna on a preparatory course at the Kunstgewerbeschule. She was fifteen years old at the time. She had to return to Warsaw, however, and in 1880 she entered the Wojciech Gerson School in Warsaw, later going to Paris to the famous Académie Julian.

Artistic career
Dulębianka was a painter whose work was characterised by realism and sensitivity to detail. Her work consisted mainly of portraits, genre scenes and landscapes. One can see the influence of Impressionism in her work, which was the result of her studies and life in Paris, where she came into contact with modern trends in art.

Dulębianka was a member of the Society of Polish Artists "Sztuka" and the Association of Polish Artists in Lviv. Her paintings were exhibited at many exhibitions both in Poland and abroad. They won recognition from critics and the public, and the artist herself was gaining a growing reputation.

Social activity
Maria Dulębianka was not only a talented painter, but also an active social activist and feminist. She was involved in the struggle for women's rights, especially in terms of access to education and participation in public life. In 1908 she was one of the organisers of the First Congress of Polish Women in Krakow, where issues of equal rights for women were discussed. In the same year, she also ran for the National Sejm in Lviv. She cooperated with many organisations that promoted women's rights and their participation in society. Her activities went beyond the borders of Poland - she took part in international feminist congresses, where she represented Polish women.

Relationship with Maria Konopnicka
One of the most important aspects of Maria Dulębianka's private life was her relationship with Maria Konopnicka, a well-known poet and writer. Their relationship was not only deeply friendly, but also a partnership. They travelled together across Europe, supporting each other in both their private and professional lives. Dulębianka was an inspiration and support for Konopnicka, and their relationship became an example of the strong bond between two outstanding women of the era.

Last years and legacy
Maria Dulębianka died on 7 March 1919 in Lviv. Her life and work had an enormous impact on the development of Polish art and the feminist movement. To this day, she remains an inspirational figure whose work and social commitment are appreciated by successive generations.

Combining her artistic talent and her fighting spirit for equality, she went down in history as an outstanding artist and fearless social activist. Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations to come in support of the arts and human rights.

The author would like to thank Ms Michalina Chudzinska for completing the information regarding the artist's year of birth.