ELJASZ-RADZIKOWSKI Walery
ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO TATR AND PIENINY
With 23 illustrations, 2 plans and a map of the Tatra Mountains.
wyd.3
Kraków 1886; druk. "Czas", pp. VII, [1], 360, tabl. 10, format 10x15cm
A classic of Tatra literature.
ELJASZ-RADZIKOWSKI Walery (1841-1905)
Known not only as a painter, but also as an author of Tatra guides and a great popularizer of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane. He studied painting at the Cracow School of Fine Arts under W. Luszczkiewicz, from whom he took over his "ancient" interest in the ancient monuments of Cracow and historical subjects in paintings. He continued his studies in Munich, where he served a special mission commissioned by the National Government during the 1863 uprising. He traveled to Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. He was friends with J.I.Kraszewski, who often advised him on the choice of subjects for his paintings and helped to publish the Illustrated Guide to the Tatra Mountains, Pieniny and Szczawnica (1870), which Eljasz compiled. Eljasz painted in oil and watercolor - views of the sights of Krakow and larger compositions with historical themes (e.g., Zolkiewski at Cecora, Defense of Krakow against the Swedes, Entry of John III to Vienna).
The Tatra Mountains were not only a source of inspiration for him, but also a favorite place for expeditions. The artist was one of the first to conquer peaks that were not very popular at the time, such as Świnica, Ice Peak and Gerlach. On the basis of the trips he made, he drew maps, which, along with his illustrations, were later included in guidebooks written by Eljasz-Radzikowski. One of the most famous books written by the artist was "Illustrated Guide to the Tatra Mountains, Pieniny and Szczawnica." It was with him that hikers of the late 19th century and lovers of Zakopane landscapes of the early interwar period went on mountain expeditions.
HARDCOVER FULL CONTEMPORARY LEATHER. ON THE SPINE RAISED SCROLLS AND GILT LETTERING. ON THE FACES MODEST GILT SCROLLS AND DECORATIVE TITLING. DECORATIVE, HAND-MARBLED COVERSTOCKS. PAGE EDGES GILT.
BDB-/ condition lacking map / BEAUTIFUL piece!