Jan WALACH (1884-1979), "The Child Jesus," 1925

pastel, crayon, pencil, cardboard (Schoellershammer), 100 x 65 cm,
Signed l. g.: J. Wałach / 1925 Istebna / "Child Jesus" / 100 zl; l. d.: Wałłach (!)

Painter, sculptor, graphic artist. Between 1904 and 1908 he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow under J. Mehoffer, J. Fałat and F. Ruszczyc. He spent two years on a scholarship in Paris. Upon his return, he settled in his hometown of Istebna and connected his further life and work with this locality. Without leaving his native village, he documented the world of peasant labor, rural rituals, portrayed gajdos, musicians, children. He took up religious subjects, was interested in sacred architecture, and painted Beskid landscapes.