Oil on canvas “polish woman reading” by a. markowicz – early 20th century

Oil on canvas by the artist artur markowicz (1872-1934) depicting an elderly woman with a hairdo and dressed in a traditional polish costume. Seated, her benevolent face facing the artist, she holds an open book on her knees. The artist known for his intimate portraits, manages to transcribe the generous personality of this woman. The work is signed lower right. Artur markowicz (1872-1934) is a polish artist known for his numerous pastels, portraits and street scenes in the historic town of kazimierz in krakow. He was born into a family of merchants and studied at the academy of fine arts in krakow in 1886-1895. From 1896 to 1903, he lived in germany and studied art at the academy of fine arts in munich with frank stuck. He then went to paris, finishing at the école des beaux-arts with jean-léon gérôme. He also exhibited his paintings at the salons of 1900, 1901, 1903 and 1904. Markowicz returned to kraków in 1904 and set up a studio in the historic kazimierz district. He travelled to jerusalem in 1907–1908 where the bezalel academy had just opened, and then to other parts of europe until 1914. He was also a member of the "society of friends of fine arts of kraków" and the "society for the encouragement of fine arts". After 1930 he was honorary president of the "jewish society for the promotion of fine arts". His jewish scenes and character studies show a unique originality of his style influenced by symbolism with elements of expressionism. Markowicz died in krakow in 1934 at the age of 62. ******** period: early 20th century light paint flaking delivery possible in france and internationally. Dimensions: width: 44.5 cm depth: 2 cm height: 51.5 cm reference: 021224.3.