Józef Męcina-Krzesz

Józef Feliks Męcina-Krzesz (2 January 1860, Kraków - 2/3 December 1934, Poznań) was a Polish painter, known for historical scenes, religious art and portraits.

From 1877 to 1884, he studied at the Kraków Academy of Fine Arts with Władysław Łuszczkiewicz and Florian Cynk.

During the last two years, he also was a private student of Jan Matejko, who encouraged him to focus on history painting.

[1] In 1884, his painting of the Battle of Orsha earned him a scholarship from the Wydział Krajowy [pl] (National Department), an executive panel elected by the Diet of Galicia and Lodomeria.

He was the object of particular scorn among those who gathered at the Green Balloon, a cabaret frequented by members of the Young Poland movement, and was singled out for ridicule in a poem by Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński called "Słówkach" (Anger).