Teodor Axentowicz (1859-1938) was a Polish-Armenian painter and graphic artist known for his expressive portraits and depictions of rural life. Educated in Munich and Paris, Teodor played a major role in modernizing Polish art by integrating symbolism and Art Nouveau influences into his work. Axentowicz was a founding member of the Sztuka Society of Polish Artists, as well as a member of the Hagenbund in Vienna.
In addition to his contributions to Polish art, Axentowicz was a founding member of the Vienna Secession, an important modernist movement established in 1897. The Vienna Secession was important for its rejection of academic art traditions and its emphasis on artistic freedom. This movement not only influenced Austrian artists like Gustav Klimt but also allowed artists like Axentowicz to develop their unique styles. Through his involvement in these progressive artistic groups, Axentowicz helped shape the direction of both Polish and European art in the early 20th century.