EN
The text focuses on methodological problems common among contemporary studies of art of artists’ colonies in the Karkonosze Mountains. It also points potential possibilities of formulating them again. The stylistic and comparative analysis is to be replaced with a deconstruction of category of genius loci proposed by Piotr Piotrowski and the employment of Jan Bialostocki’s category of ‘periphery’. The change of paradigm may in a significant way redefine the way of perceiving art created at the turn of the 19th century. The role of this art should not be identified with the outcome of progressive tendencies of European centers but become an important voice in defining the cultural identity of the country.