Wojciech Weiss (1875-1950) was a prominent Polish painter, printmaker and educator, known for his individual and expressive style, which combined elements of Symbolism, Art Nouveau and Expressionism. He was born on 4 May 1875 in Leord, then in Austria-Hungary, to a family with Armenian roots. He began his artistic education at the School of Fine Arts in Krakow, where he was a pupil of such masters as Jan Matejko, Leon Wyczółkowski, and Jacek Malczewski.

Weiss quickly gained recognition as a painter, particularly with his portraits and landscapes, in which he often explored psychological and mystical themes. His works reflect his fascination with human nature, emotion and mystery, which was characteristic of Symbolism. Weiss was also fascinated by colour and light, which is evident in his dynamic and saturated colours.

Between 1895 and 1897, Weiss spent time in Paris, which had a significant impact on his artistic development. There he encountered new currents in art, including Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, which influenced the evolution of his own style. After returning to Poland, Weiss continued his artistic activities, becoming one of the leading representatives of young Polish art.

Wojciech Weiss was also active in the artistic life of Kraków, being a member of many artistic organisations and groups, including "Polish Art". His works were repeatedly exhibited and appreciated both in Poland and abroad.

One of Weiss's best-known works is the painting "Melancholia" (1899), which shows deep introspection and reflection on the human condition, while exemplifying his mastery of the use of colour and light.

In addition to painting, Wojciech Weiss also taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, where he was a professor from 1913 and served as rector from 1931 to 1932. As a pedagogue, he had a great influence on subsequent generations of artists, shaping the Polish art scene.

Wojciech Weiss died on 7 December 1950 in Kraków, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that is still studied and appreciated by art critics and the public. His works can be found in the collections of the most important Polish museums and in private collections around the world.