Dimensions: 98 x 69 cm
signed and dated l.g.: 'J Malczewski | 1919'
described in pencil on the reverse: '10301', fragmentarily preserved paper inventory sticker and a trace of an unpreserved sticker
Provenance
family collection, Kraków (at least since 1940s)
Biography
Studied at the School of Fine Arts in Cracow in 1872-75 and 1877-79, including with Władysław Łuszczkiewicz and Jan Matejko, and in 1876-77 with Henri Ernest Lehman at the School of Fine Arts in Paris. The artist's formation was influenced by numerous trips to Paris, Munich, Vienna, Italy, Greece and Turkey. An important source of inspiration for Malczewski was native folklore, Polish literature and history, as well as biblical and mythological tradition. He constantly took up patriotic and messianic themes, existential themes, autobiographical themes and themes concerning the dilemmas of artistic creation. Considered the most outstanding representative of Polish Symbolist painting, he was also famous as an outstanding educator. He taught painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow (1896-1900 and 1910-1921), and served as its rector in 1912-1914. In 1897 he became a founding member of the Society of Polish Artists "Art". Malczewski's work was repeatedly presented abroad, appreciated and awarded, including medals at international exhibitions in Munich (1892), Berlin (1891) and Paris (1900).
