Konstanty LASZCZKA, Pine Tree

oil, canvas, 34 x 25 cm, signature scratched in wet paint l.d.: K. Laszczka 98r.

Sculptor and ceramicist. Educated at a private school of sculpture in Warsaw. He continued his education in Paris (1891-96). After returning to Poland, he settled in Warsaw, and then in 1899, at Fałat's urging, moved to Cracow, where he took over the chair of sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts there. Biegas, Dunikowski, Szczepkowski and Puget studied in his studio. The artist's work is marked by the influence of Impressionism, Art Nouveau and Symbolism, and he readily drew on the tradition of folk art. He is the author of monuments, sculptures of genre , portraits and ceramics. His portrait works include about 100 busts, heads and masks. The people portrayed are friends of the artist, prominent figures from artistic, political and scientific circles.