Dimensions: 29.5 x 40.5 cm
Signed on stone p.d.: 'Wojtkiewicz'
The work comes from the Melpomene portfolio, published by: Lithography A. Pruszyński in Cracow, Poland.
Origin
DESA Unicum, June 2012
private collection, Poland
Literature
Barbara Domanska, Anna Zienczak, Witold Wojtkiewicz 1879-1909. exhibition catalog, vol. 2, National Museum in Krakow, Krakow 1989, item 184.
Jerzy Ficowski, Witold Wojkiewicz, Łowicz 1996, pp. 44-45
Maria Grońska, Graphics in a book, portfolio and album, Wrocław 1994, item 7, p. 190, p. 30 (ill.)
Irena Jakimowicz, Five centuries of graphic art in Poland, Warsaw 1997, item 635
Zofia Kucielska, Zofia Tobiaszowa, Polish graphics around 1900, Cracow, 1968, item 212.
Irena Rylska, Polish graphic arts from 1901 to 1939, Wroclaw 1983, pos. 709
Biography
He was a representative of Polish modernism. He probably began his education at the Drawing Class in Warsaw. He continued his studies at the Kraków academy under Leon Wyczółkowski, Teodor Axentowicz, among others. He was a co-founder of the Group of Five, and from 1908 a member of the "Art" society. He exhibited his works in Warsaw and Cracow. In his paintings he combined elements of tragedy, lyricism, grotesque and pathos, giving them a philosophical sense. The influence of Symbolism, Expressionism, Art Nouveau and Surrealism can be seen in his work. He mainly used oil and tempera techniques. In addition to painting, he was also involved in postcard design and illustrations for satirical magazines, among others.
