One of the most iconic paintings in Polish history is Jan Matejko’s „Battle of Grunwald” (1878). Matejko, known for his large-scale historical scenes, depicted a famous Polish-Lithuanian victory over the Teutonic Knights in 1410. His work was a call to preserve Polish heritage, especially during a time when Poland was partitioned and erased from the map by its powerful neighbors—Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The grand scale of the painting reflects the spirit and unity of the Polish people.

Matejko’s „Rejtan – The Fall of Poland” (1866) is another vivid piece. It portrays Tadeusz Rejtan, a Polish nobleman, standing defiant against Russian annexation. The intense emotions in this piece, combined with Matejko's use of dramatic, contrasting colors, symbolize the turmoil and loss of freedom, making it a powerful reminder of Poland’s resilience.

While paintings and posters were key mediums, other forms of Polish art have also gained recognition. In music, for instance, Poland has a rich classical heritage with composers like Chopin. His works, infused with Polish folk themes and poignant melodies, brought the spirit of Poland to the world stage and helped foster a sense of Polish pride during times of foreign rule. Another striking example is Polish contemporary theatre, with figures like Tadeusz Kantor, who created powerful, avant-garde performances that explored memory, identity, and trauma. His theatrical pieces, known for their minimalism and raw emotion, challenged traditional norms and provided another layer to Polish cultural expression.