Stefan Norblin-Portraits from the collection of the Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola

The work of Stefan Norblin in Poland coincided with the revival of culture following the country’s regaining of independence in 1918. This period marked rapid economic and cultural development in Poland, as well as a search for a national style. Norblin’s creations fit seamlessly into the cultural context of this era, with the Art Deco style, in which he primarily worked, becoming a hallmark of fashion and taste during those years. Life in the capital during the interwar period was rich with artistic events, and Norblin, as a versatile creator—painter, portraitist, interior and architectural designer, illustrator, advertising graphic designer, fashion designer, and even theatrical costume designer—was among the most sought-after artists of this time in Poland.

In 1941, the Norblins embarked on a journey to the United States. Traveling through Romania, Turkey, and Iraq, they eventually arrived in India, where the artist decorated and designed the interiors of royal residences. He created impressive murals that skillfully combined Indian tradition with the style of contemporary Western European painting, as well as portraits of the residence’s owners. His first commission was to decorate the interiors of a palace-residence in Morvi (now Morbi), followed by work in a palace in Patna. In 1944, he also held a solo exhibition at the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall gallery in Bombay (now Mumbai). That same year, the Norblins welcomed their son, Andrzej Piotr. Norblin received another significant commission in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in the newly constructed Umaid Bhawan Palace, where he designed new furniture, created impressive murals, and painted on canvas.

In 1946, the Norblins settled in the United States, near San Francisco. The artist undertook portrait commissions and also worked in a decorating firm. Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly in 1952.

Thanks to the program of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage—Museum Collections—the Museum has acquired a new, previously unknown painting.

For the first time, the exhibition will showcase a portrait of Dr. Max Makowski, a friend of the artist who assisted the Norblins during their stay in Baghdad. This is likely the only known work by Stefan Norblin from his Iraqi period that is held in Poland, and perhaps even the only surviving painting by the artist from Iraq.

The purchase was co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund.