Imago Artis | 620

Imago Artis was founded in 1947 as the Artistic Handicraft Workers’ Cooperative "Imago Artis" in Krakow, initiated by Krakow’s art historians and artists who aimed to create high-quality souvenirs related to the city. The idea for the cooperative was conceived in 1945, and its realization was made possible by Wilhelm Gall, who gave the cooperative its name and symbol. The first products, such as silver rings, glass paintings, graphics, sculptures, and tiles, were created in 1949 under the direction of Elżbieta Mathias, who was associated with the "Czytelnik" Publishing House.

Over time, the cooperative expanded its activities, establishing four main departments: metalworking, woodcuts, dolls in historical and regional costumes, and polychrome castings. However, silver jewelry became the most popular product, and the cooperative focused its production on this. From 1954, the entire artistic project was overseen by Stanisław Chojnacki, who became the artistic director.

Initially, Imago Artis jewelry was distributed through Cepelia, but in the 1960s, the cooperation with Cepelia ended, and the cooperative began working with the Jewelry Central. In the 1970s, Imago Artis opened its own stores in Krakow and Zakopane. The cooperative's products were widely presented at domestic and international exhibitions.

Imago Artis designed silver jewelry until 1992 and gold jewelry until 1995. Production ceased in 1998. The products of Imago Artis were characterized by intricate filigree work and inspirations from folklore, giving them a unique, artistic character.