Julian Fałat (1853-1929), Portrait of a Peasant

oil, cardboard glued on board / 75 x 51 cm [clear frame].
95 x 71 cm, dimensions with frame
Signature p.d.: 'JFałat Bystra'
ANALYTICAL RESEARCH:
Studio of Analytical Research of Works of Art - Teresa, Marek Pabis, Krakow
AUTHENTICITY TESTING:
Art historian, sworn expert in painting, printmaking, sculpture, craftsmanship -.
Slawomir Chmielewski, Katowice
inventory number: UK/ww/17/6/2020/b
ORIGIN:
private collection

Julian Fałat, painter, prominent watercolorist, leading representative of landscape and genre painting of the Young Poland period. Born July 30, 1853 in Tuliglowy, died July 9, 1929 in Bystry. He created a peculiar canon of hunting scenes and, above all, snowy landscapes, depicted with varying intensity of sunlight. Fałat studied at the Royal Academy of Art in Munich. He was appreciated by his professors, his drawings illustrated the German and Polish press, he exhibited at Zachęta, and critics recognized his talent. He completed his studies in 1880. Five years later he embarked on a trip around the world. Fałat created for Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany, and moved his main studio to Berlin for many years. He exhibited in Warsaw, Berlin, Munich and Dresden, his works were enthusiastically received, and he received a number of prestigious awards. He continued to travel extensively. In 1899 he became commissioner of Galicia at the World Exhibition in Paris. In 1900, he took over the reigns of the Cracow School of Fine Arts, transforming it into an academy. After World War I, during which he was at the front as a painter for the Legions, he briefly (1922-23) became director of the Art Department at the Ministry of Religious Denominations and Public Enlightenment in the Sanacja government. He remained active as an artist, painting and exhibiting until the end of his days. He settled permanently in Bystra.