Artwork
Fair in Nowy Targ
Fair in Nowy Targ is an oil painting by Aleksander Kotsis. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.
About this work
Overview
Fair in Nowy Targ is an oil painting created by Polish artist Aleksander Kotsis around 1866. It captures a vibrant scene of a fair in Nowy Targ, showcasing everyday life in a mid-19th century Polish small town.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a joyful fair scene with figures engaging in social interaction, set against the backdrop of a local church and buildings. The central handshake between two men, observed by a third, suggests a moment of community or transaction, highlighting Kotsis's focus on local customs and social dynamics.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work leverages the medium to achieve depth and texture, inviting viewer immersion. Kotsis's style blends Romantic and Realistic elements, characteristic of his approach to capturing Polish rural and small-town life.
History & Provenance
Created in circa 1866 by Kraków-born artist Aleksander Kotsis, the painting is now part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection, reflecting the institution's interest in documenting 19th-century Polish life.
Context
Part of a broader body of work by Kotsis, *Fair in Nowy Targ* contributes to a visual record of mid-19th century Polish rural and small-town culture, emphasizing the artist's connection to his native region.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Aleksander Kotsis (30 May 1836 – 7 August 1877) was a Polish painter. He created landscapes, portraits, and genre scenes in a combination Romantic and Realistic style. Most of his paintings are small. He was born and died in Kraków.
