Jacek Malczewski (1854 Radom - 1929 Krakow), Portrait of Michalina Janoszanka, 1906

oil, board, 42 x 28 cm
signed and dated p. d.: 1906/J. Malczewskito the painting accompanied by the opinion of Dr. Stefania Krzysztofowicz-Kozakowska

"The composition presented for review shows a young woman who can be identified as Michalina Janoszanka, a peer and friend of the artist's daughter Julia. Michalina Jano szanka (1889- 1952) was the daughter of a doctor - Michal Janoch and Helena née Nałęcz-Kaniewska. In Cracow, Janoszanka studied drawing with Józef Siedlecki at the Adrian Baraniecki Higher Courses for Women. Probably at the same time she took lessons from Leon Wyczółkowski and Jan Stanislawski. Later, she studied in Vienna for two years. Michalina's artistic formation was influenced by her grandmother, Maria née Wolanska Kaniewska, daughter of the amateur painter Karol and granddaughter of the painter Jan Wolanska as well. Michalina was also closely related to the Malczewski family - the sister of Maria Malczewski - Jack's wife - Zofia - married Michalina's uncle. This may have been the source of Janoszanka's artistic interests and the educational path she chose, especially since, as she recalled, she grew up in an atmosphere of veneration for Malczewski: she and her grandmother visited his studios in Krakow's Batory Street. Jacek Malczewski also often portrayed her. The distinctive, beautiful brunette with a noble profile appeared in both stand-alone portraits and symbolic compositions. (...) The portrait under review is one of many conter fects of Janoszanka painted by Jacek Malczewski. It was created in the same year as her portrait with fauns with the second title "Melody." Both show similarities in facial features and a distinctive hairstyle with a high and loose bun,
as well as the exceptionally beautiful long neck of the model."

excerpt from the opinion of Stefania Krzysztofowicz-Kozakowska