A Picture Like Many Others

It's time for a bit of Polish art. DailyArt is a Polish app, so it is always a huge pleasure for us when we can introduce you to some Polish artists.  :)

Leon Jan Wyczółkowski was a Polish painter and educator who was one of the leading painters of the Young Poland movement, as well as the principal representative of Polish Realism in art. Between 1881 and 1885, the artist resided mainly in Warsaw. Enchanted by the capital, he directed his artistic interests toward genre scenes of a salon and boudoir nature. Assuming the role of a keen observer, he depicted the lives of the upper class in his paintings—social gatherings, pleasant conversations, collective music-making, or the appreciation of works of art. Although the artist treated his chosen themes with a touch of irony, considering them more to diversify his work and earn a living, his refined depictions enjoyed great popularity among clients and critical acclaim.

The characteristic arrangement of salon scenes, as well as the humorous titles given to them by the artist, reveal Wyczółkowski’s passion for theater. The props and accessories for composing his paintings were borrowed from an actress, his downstairs neighbor. Meanwhile, Wyczółkowski engaged his close acquaintances as models—his cousin and a friend.

The artist’s works from this period can be compared to those of Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and Alfred Stevens. Color began to dominate the composition, and an internal light emerged in his paintings. The perspective and compositional experiments reflected the influence of Impressionism, which Wyczółkowski had absorbed a few years earlier in Paris. There were also technical innovations: “In bold close-ups, foreshortened perspectives, and compositional cuts at the edge of the frame, Wyczółkowski was undoubtedly supported by photography, which he used for framing, composing scenes, and manipulating artificial light."

P.S. Curious about Polish art? You can check out our limited-edition Iconic Polish Mug inspired by timeless designs from the '60s in the DailyArt Shop!  :) 

P.P.S. Need a break from work? Have some fun! Take the Love in Art QUIZ or guess who painted these women! For more quizzes, see below.