(Born January 30, 1928, in Warsaw – died 2000)
Polish illustrator and graphic artist, representative of the Polish School of Illustration.
Krystyna Witkowska graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, earning her diploma in 1955 under the supervision of renowned graphic designer Henryk Tomaszewski. From 1949 to 1969, she worked as a graphic editor at the Nasza Księgarnia Publishing Institute, where she illustrated dozens of books for young children. She also collaborated with the children’s magazines Miś and Świerszczyk.
Witkowska’s illustrations are characterized by her use of bold, vibrant colors often combined in unexpected ways. At times, however, she also employed more muted, pastel tones, depending on the project. A hallmark of her style is the strong outlining of forms and the gentle simplification of shapes. Her illustrations often carry a nostalgic, sometimes dreamlike atmosphere.
Some of her most well-known illustrations include:
Mr. Florian’s Clover by Helena Bechlerowa
The Adventures of the Hedgehog from the Town of Zgierz by Wanda Chotomska
The Rainbow Umbrella by Tadeusz Kubiak
Sleepytime Rhymes (Zasypianki) by Joanna Kulmowa
The Story of the Chestnut King by Krystyna Boglar
When I Am a Little Boy Again (Kiedy znów będę mały) by Janusz Korczak
Why the Cat Sits in the Kitchen by Bolesław Zagała
The Tiny Lady Perfume-Bottle (Maleńka Pani Flakonik) by Alf Prøysen
