Marian Mokwa (1889 Malary - 1987 Sopot), Boats on the beach in Sopot, 1942.

watercolor, paper, 34.5 × 48.5 cm in light passe-partout
Signed, dated and described in pencil l. d.: "Mokwa/Sopot 1942."

About his love for the sea and his vow to devote his talent to marine art, Mokwa recalled years later: "You know, the open, high seas have always made a powerful impression on me. Standing face to face with the elements, I had the feeling that I was standing before the face of God himself. It was then, during the battle, that I understood that my fate, the fate of Poland and the sea are inextricably linked. "If Poland is reborn, then I will dedicate all my talent, all my thoughts, all my soul and all my life to the sea. So help me, God almighty."
Marian Mokwa [in:] K.Wójcicki, Conversations with Mokwa, Gdynia 1997 p. 73