Henriette Brossin de Méré-de Polanska was of Polish descent born in Charkov. In 1909, she went to Paris and Italy for labour. She worked in the studio of Henri Martin until 1912 and later in Stefania Lazarska’s workshop. Since 1914 she lived in Rome and since 1917 at the Italian Riviera. She became a Swiss citizen in 1921. Brossin de Mère-de Polanska created portraits, still lifes, and stage decorations. Her best-known work is Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). Her name is found in SAUR’s dictionary of artists in three different forms: BROSSIN DE POLANSKA, BROSSIN DE BLANSKA and BROSSIN DE MÉRÉ. In the official report, it is “Mme Brossin de Polanska”. The painting showing two hurdlers is widely considered to be the one that won the medal. This cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty, however. Her daughter Andrée became a well-known textile designer who worked for the major Parisian fashion houses.
France