Artwork
Red-haired woman
Red-haired woman is an oil painting by the Realist artist Franciszek Żmurko. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Franciszek Żmurko, a Polish realist painter educated in Kraków, Vienna, Munich and St. Petersburg, executed the oil painting Red‑haired Woman circa 1894. The work is part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s academic training under Jan Matejko, emphasizing precise, lifelike representation.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a young woman whose long, vivid red hair dominates the composition. Though her facial features are softly rendered, her gaze is turned toward the right, suggesting a moment of contemplation. The bare shoulders and low‑cut dark dress convey a private, intimate atmosphere, while the warm, earthy background reinforces the focus on the figure’s hair and expression.
Technique & Style
Żmurko employs a realistic approach characteristic of late‑19th‑century academic painting, using layered glazing to achieve subtle tonal transitions. The handling of light on the hair and fabric creates depth, and the muted background serves to isolate the subject, allowing the rich reds and shadows to stand out without distraction.
History & Provenance
Created around 1894, Red‑haired Woman entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings, where it remains on display. The painting reflects Żmurko’s mature period, during which he produced a series of portrait studies that adhered to the realist conventions taught by his mentors.
Artist & collection
Artist
Franciszek Żmurko (18 July 1859, Lviv – 9 October 1910, Warsaw) was a Polish realist painter.
