Jan Marcin Szancer illustration for 1961 polish book "The Adventures of the Cocky Fawn"

Ulica Bartosza. Obrazki Marcina Szancera 

Jan Marcin Szancer - illustration from "About a mosquito and an orchestra" , first published in 1961 in Poland

Jan Marcin Szancer (1902-1973)

Jan Marcin Szancer wanted to be an artist, a painter who creates monumental works. He became the most prominent illustrator of books for children and young adults. For graphic designers and illustrators he is a hero. The wizard of imagination, a mag, an ambassador of imagination – these are just a few of the names that describe the magical power of his works, which completely formed the imagination of many generations of Poles. It's hard to find readers who are not seduced by his illustration works: delicate, subtle faces of people with beautiful eyes, slender silhouettes, full of fairytale microcosm of beetles, ladybugs, grasshoppers, butterflies and dwarfs. It's hard to find someone who doesn’t appreciate the effects of his collaboration with Polish famous poets  - Jan Brzechwa, Julian Tuwim and other prominent writers. Such titles as The Locomotive, Andersen's Fairy Tales, Pinocchio are just a few of the most memorable, wonderful works of this master of illustration.

Jan Marcin Szancer’s  Curriculum vitae is the reprint of his autobiography published more than 40 years ago. The book reminds extraordinary artist, a man of great passion and sensitivity. The author introduces readers into his rich, active life through his childhood and adulthood, presenting his artistic fascination and perplexities during that period of time. Jan Marcin Szancer’s  muse was his beloved wife Sophia nee Sykulska. She was the one who inspired him to write this book.