Gossamer

Why it's great

A young woman rests in a meadow in the golden light of early autumn, with geese grazing nearby and silvery spider threads floating in the air. Józef Chełmoński painted this in 1875, and Poles call it 'Babie lato' (Indian summer). It is one of Poland's most beloved paintings. The glowing light is magical.

👀 Look closer!

Look for the silver threads of spider silk floating in the air. Can you spot the geese?

Where to see it

📍 National Museum in WarsawWarsaw, Poland

Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 3,205 × 2,457 px · 7.9 megapixels · prints up to about 11 × 8 inches at 300 dpi File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

Józef Chełmoński

1849–1914 · born in Boczki · died in Kuklówka Zarzeczna

Józef Chełmoński was born in a village in Poland and became one of the country's most beloved painters. He studied in Warsaw and Munich and lived in Paris for some years. He painted the Polish countryside, wide skies, horses and birds. He died in 1914.