He refused to work for the Germans. He refused, among others, to paint a portrait of Hans Frank, claiming old age, despite the fact that his studio, where he talked to the German officer, was full of paintings, both works in progress and completed. Among his final works are Portrait of Zofia Jachimecka, Equestrian Portrait of Tadeusz Chutkowski, Stefan Skrzyński, Tatar Bondage, Kirasjer and a Girl and Farys. On the day of his death – July 29, 1942 – he asked that paint be put on the palette, but he could not get up. He did not realize that death was coming. In the evening, remaining conscious until the last moment, he died surrounded by family. Work Wojciech Kossak's historical painting was different in style from that of his predecessor Jan Matejko. He belonged to a new generation of Polish battle-scene artists influenced by the work of his father Juliusz. However, like Matejko, he is known for depicting the history of Polish armed struggle and notable Polish battles of Central and Eastern Europe against foreign oppressors. Among his most famous paintings is The Racławice Panorama. See also Juliusz Kossak (1824–1899), painter, Wojciech's father, Jerzy Kossak (1886–1955), painter, Wojciech's son, Simona Kossak (1943-2007), biologist, Wojciech's granddaughter, Zofia Kossak-Szczucka (1889–1968), novelist, daughter of Wojciech's twin brother, Tadeusz Kossak Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska (1891–1945), poet, Wojciech's daughter Magdalena Samozwaniec (1894–1972), writer, Wojciech's daughter List of Poles Notes and references Łozińska Hempel, Maria (1986). Z łańcucha wspomnień. Wydawnictwo Literackie. Wojciech Kossak's gallery at malarze.com 1857 births 1942 deaths 19th-century Polish painters 19th-century Polish male artists 20th-century Polish painters 20th-century Polish male artists Polish war artists 19th-century war artists Golden Laurel of the Polish Academy of Literature Recipients of the Legion of Honour Burials at Rakowicki Cemetery 19th-century painters of historical subjects Equine artists Olympic competitors in art competitions Polish male painters People from Paris Polish twins