Jacek MALCZEWSKI, MALE ACT STUDY

Oil, canvas, 81 x 65 cm, signed p.d.: J. Malczewski. On the back is a statement by Leszek Ludwikowski dated 1970.

In 1872-75 and 1877-79 he studied at the School of Fine Arts in Cracow, among others with Władysław Łuszczkiewicz and Jan Matejko, and in 1876-77 with Henri Ernest Lehman at the School of Fine Arts in Paris. The artist's formation was influenced by numerous trips to Paris, Munich, Vienna, Italy, Greece and Turkey. An important source of inspiration for Malczewski was native folklore, Polish literature and history, as well as biblical and mythological traditions. In his early works, he painted realistic scenes related to the martyrdom of Poles after 1863. After 1890, symbolism was formed in the artist's work and portraits, self-portraits and genre compositions painted in this convention are created. Considered the most outstanding representative of Polish Symbolist painting, he also became famous as an outstanding educator. He taught painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow (1896-1900 and 1910-1921), and served as its rector in the period 1912-1914. In 1897 he became a founding member of the Society of Polish Artists "Art". Malczewski's work was repeatedly presented abroad, appreciated and awarded, including medals at international exhibitions in Munich (1892), Berlin (1891) and Paris (1900).