Eligiusz Niewiadomski, Polish painter and critic (b. 1869)

Eligiusz Niewiadomski (born December 1, 1869, in Warsaw; died January 31, 1923, in Warsaw) was a prominent Polish modernist painter and insightful art critic whose life took a dramatic turn, culminating in a politically charged act that profoundly shocked the nascent Second Polish Republic. He became infamously known for the assassination of Poland's inaugural President, Gabriel Narutowicz, in 1922, an event that occurred mere days after Narutowicz assumed office.

Eligiusz Niewiadomski: Artist, Critic, and Political Adherent

Before his tragic act, Eligiusz Niewiadomski was a respected figure within Polish cultural circles. Born into an intelligentsia family, he pursued a comprehensive artistic education, studying at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia, and further refining his skills at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, Germany, and the renowned Académie Julian in Paris, France. His artistic output as a modernist painter often explored themes of nature and landscape, characterized by a unique sense of color and light. Beyond his canvases, Niewiadomski was an influential art critic, holding positions such as a professor at the Warsaw University of Technology and later serving as a department director within the Ministry of Culture and Art. His critical writings frequently expressed strong opinions on artistic trends and national identity in art.

Niewiadomski's professional life was deeply intertwined with his political convictions. He was a staunch sympathizer of the right-wing National Democracy movement, often referred to as "Endecja" (derived from its Polish acronym, ND). This powerful political faction, led by figures like Roman Dmowski, advocated for a homogenous, ethnically Polish, and Catholic nation-state. Endecja was characterized by its conservative, nationalist, and often anti-Semitic and anti-minority ideologies. Niewiadomski shared these views, believing firmly in the principles of a strong, culturally pure Poland, a conviction that would ultimately drive his extreme actions.

Gabriel Narutowicz: Poland's First President and a Symbol of Division

The target of Niewiadomski's assassination was Gabriel Narutowicz (1865-1922), an internationally recognized hydro-engineer, professor, and diplomat. Before his presidency, Narutowicz had an impressive career, notably as a pioneer in hydroelectric power in Switzerland, where he held a professorship at the ETH Zurich. Upon Poland regaining independence in 1918, he returned to serve his country, holding significant ministerial positions, including Minister of Public Works and later Foreign Affairs.

Narutowicz's election as the first President of the Second Polish Republic on December 9, 1922, was a highly contentious affair. He was elected by the National Assembly (a joint session of the Sejm and Senate) through a parliamentary vote, securing victory with support from left-wing parties and national minority representatives. This outcome was vehemently opposed by the National Democracy movement and other right-wing factions. They launched a fierce smear campaign against Narutowicz, portraying him as a "Jewish-Masonic" stooge, an atheist, and a threat to Polish national values, largely because his victory relied on votes from non-Polish ethnic groups. This intense political polarization created a volatile atmosphere in Warsaw, fueling public unrest and extreme rhetoric against the newly elected president.

The Assassination and its Profound Aftermath

The culmination of this charged political climate was the assassination of President Gabriel Narutowicz on December 16, 1922, merely six days after his inauguration. The tragic event occurred at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw, where Narutowicz was attending the opening of an art exhibition. Eligiusz Niewiadomski, who was present at the event, approached the President and fired three shots at close range, fatally wounding him.

Niewiadomski was immediately apprehended. During his subsequent trial, he openly confessed to the crime, asserting that his motive was a political act intended to "save Poland" from what he perceived as a "Jewish-Masonic" president who had been illegitimately elected with the support of national minorities and socialists. He maintained that he acted alone and out of a deeply misguided sense of patriotic duty. The court found him guilty, and despite appeals for clemency from various figures, including members of Narutowicz's family, Eligiusz Niewiadomski was executed by firing squad on January 31, 1923, at Mokotów Prison in Warsaw. His funeral was attended by large crowds of National Democracy supporters, who viewed him as a martyr for the nationalist cause, further highlighting the deep ideological chasm within Polish society.

The assassination of Gabriel Narutowicz was a traumatic event that sent shockwaves through the young Polish state. It exposed the extreme fragility of its nascent democratic institutions and the dangerous polarization of its political landscape. The incident served as a stark warning about the perils of political extremism and the profound impact of hateful rhetoric, leaving an indelible mark on Poland's interwar history and shaping its political discourse for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eligiusz Niewiadomski and Gabriel Narutowicz

Who was Eligiusz Niewiadomski?
Eligiusz Niewiadomski was a Polish modernist painter and art critic known for his strong nationalist views and his affiliation with the right-wing National Democracy movement. He gained infamy for assassinating Poland's first President, Gabriel Narutowicz, in 1922.
What was Niewiadomski's profession before the assassination?
He was an accomplished artist, a modernist painter, and a respected art critic. He also held academic and administrative positions, including a professorship at the Warsaw University of Technology and a directorial role in the Ministry of Culture and Art.
Who was Gabriel Narutowicz?
Gabriel Narutowicz was a distinguished Polish hydro-engineer, professor, and diplomat who became the first President of the Second Polish Republic. His election in 1922 was controversial, as he secured office with support from left-wing parties and national minorities, drawing strong opposition from right-wing nationalist groups.
What was the National Democracy movement?
The National Democracy (Endecja) was a significant right-wing political movement in interwar Poland. It championed a homogenous, ethnically Polish, and Catholic nation-state, often expressing nationalist, conservative, and sometimes anti-Semitic and anti-minority sentiments.
Why did Eligiusz Niewiadomski assassinate President Narutowicz?
Niewiadomski assassinated Narutowicz due to deep-seated political and ideological motives. He was a fervent nationalist who believed Narutowicz's election, secured with votes from national minorities, betrayed Polish national interests and was illegitimate. He claimed his act was to "save Poland."
When and where did the assassination occur?
The assassination took place on December 16, 1922, at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw, during the opening of an art exhibition, just six days after Narutowicz had been inaugurated as president.
What was the impact of Narutowicz's assassination on Poland?
The assassination had a profound and traumatic impact on the young Polish state. It exposed deep political divisions and the fragility of its democratic institutions, highlighting the dangers of extreme political rhetoric and nationalism. It remains a pivotal, tragic event in Poland's interwar history.