In 2008 the National Library acquired a unique cycle of 24 works by Stanislaw Hiszpanski illustrating Homer's Odyssey. Experts believe the above cycles to be the top achievements of the Artist. The Author wished them to be available to a wider public in museums.
"The erudite workshop encompasses knowledge of realities of the époque with its rituals, customs, architecture, as well as attire, decorations, accessories and ornamental patterns. Hiszpanski knew how to emphasize the elements of ancient civilizations which were the most salient and meaningful for posterity. The cycles of paintings paraphrase artistic styles..." (by Irena Kossowska).
The Artist's fascination with Mediterranean culture resulted in two great illustrative cycles, namely to Homer's Odyssey and to Vergil's Aeneid.
Odyssey; 1963-1969, black ink, watercolours, 24 paintings, 28x20 cm. The paintings illustrating Homer's epopee combine faithful reproduction of architectural detail, dress, and custom with an unrivalled sense of decoration.
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Aeneid; 1972-1974, black ink, watercolours, varnish, 15 paintings, 30x20 cm. The artist travestied the known literary motive; theatrical effects intertwine with archeologist's care for detail, while the tale of ancient deeds is accompanied by reminiscences of the Second World War.
Hiszpanski's reading of Babylonian epopees inspired him to "reawaken, after four and a half thousand years of sleep" the oldest myths of humankind - the Sumerian Legends.
Sumerian Legends; 1961 - 1972, black ink, watercolours, varnish, 19 paintings, 26x16 cm, illustrating three myths: Creation of the World - the Flood, the myth of a legendary ruler named Gilgamesh, and the romantic drama of Ishtar and Tammuz.
