Dimensions: 63 x 47.5 cm
signed and dated lower right: 'J Malczewski | 1908'
two paper exhibition labels on the back of the frame
Provenance
Private collection, Warsaw
Exhibited
Jacek and Rafał Malczewski, Regional Museum in Sandomierz, March 17–July 31, 2012
Jacek and Rafał Malczewski, Jacek Malczewski Museum in Radom, March 25–September 4, 2011
Bibliography
Jacek and Rafał Malczewski, concept and editing of the album *Zofia Katarzyna Posiadała*, exhibition catalog, Jacek Malczewski Museum in Radom, Radom 2014, p. 195 (ill.)
Jacek Malczewski, *Elenai*, postcard, ca. 1910, Published by the Salon of Polish Painters in Kraków
Biography
From 1872 to 1875 and from 1877 to 1879, he studied at the School of Fine Arts in Kraków under, among others, Władysław Łuszczkiewicz and Jan Matejko, and from 1876–77 under Henri Ernest Lehman at the School of Fine Arts in Paris. The artist’s development was influenced by numerous trips to Paris, Munich, Vienna, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Malczewski drew significant inspiration from native folklore, Polish literature and history, as well as biblical and mythological traditions. He consistently explored patriotic and messianic themes, as well as existential and autobiographical subjects and the dilemmas of artistic creation. Considered the most outstanding representative of Polish Symbolist painting, he also gained fame as an exceptional teacher. He taught painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków (1896–1900 and 1910–1921), and served as its rector from 1912 to 1914. In 1897, he became a founding member of the “Sztuka” Society of Polish Artists. Malczewski’s work was frequently exhibited abroad, where it was recognized and awarded, including medals at international exhibitions in Munich (1892), Berlin (1891), and Paris (1900).
