Jewess with Oranges

"Jewess with Oranges" is a magnificent oil painting created by Polish artist Aleksander Gierymski between 1880 and 1881. This artwork depicts a Jewish shopkeeper in Warsaw carrying two baskets filled with oranges. She is dressed in modest attire, with a cap on her head and a scarf draped over her shoulders. In the background, the rooftops of Warsaw’s houses are visible. Her expression exudes sadness and helplessness, while the bright oranges she bears symbolize life and warmth.

Originally, this painting was housed in an antique store in Warsaw before being acquired by the National Museum in Warsaw. However, during World War II, it was stolen by German forces. For many years, its whereabouts remained unknown until it resurfaced in 2010 in a German antique market.

Thanks to successful negotiations, the painting was finally returned to Poland in 2011. The Polish PZU Foundation compensated the German owner for its return, though the exact amount paid remains undisclosed. Now, "Jewess with Oranges" is back in its home country, where it continues to be cherished as a significant piece of Polish cultural heritage.