Shimon Mondzain (1888 Chelm - 1979 Paris), Port of Algiers

oil, canvas, 46 × 55 cm
Signed l. d.: "Mondzain"

"What draws attention in Mr. Mondzain's paintings is an impressive calm and serenity. The sky, swollen with misty substance, quiet and motionless, stretches over the sheltered landscape. The air remains motionless. The artist hates mottling, purely decorative effects. He tries to present the content of the painting - most preferably a landscape or flowers - in its simplicity, developing the plastic elements and color and composition harmoniously. [...] "
E. Woroniecki, L`Art polonais a Paris. Expositions: [...] de M. S. Mondszajn
chez J. Callot 1....], "La Pologne politique, economique, litteraire et artistique"
1928, sem. i, p. 77.

In the work of Simon Mondzain, views of Algiers occupy a special place. In 1925 the artist arrives in the North African country for the first time, and already in the same year oriental views of his work were presented in Parisian salons. In 1933 he settled here permanently, with intermittent trips to France; here he also found refuge during World War II. He was the organizer of the Algerian Polish House, giving shelter to Polish refugees. He also stayed in Algiers from 1950 to 1963. Mondzain initially focused with fondness on capturing the African landscape, over time focusing on the architecture of the capital before all else, with a particular emphasis on views of the port.