Artwork

Duel with sticks

Duel with sticks, by Julian Maszyński, oil, 1892
Duel with sticks, by Julian Maszyński, oil, 1892

Duel with sticks is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Julian Maszyński. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Julian Maszyński’s 1892 oil painting, titled Duel with Sticks, portrays a spirited confrontation between two men wielding wooden sticks. The work is part of the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment of playful rivalry: two figures, both dressed in white shirts and red trousers, face each other with sticks raised, while onlookers gather nearby. A dog lies at their feet, and a house forms the backdrop, suggesting a domestic setting that frames the informal duel.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a clear, realist approach typical of late‑19th‑century Polish genre scenes. Maszyński’s handling of light emphasizes the figures against the muted background, while the brushwork conveys the tension and movement of the encounter.

History & Provenance

Created in 1892, Duel with Sticks entered the holdings of the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains on display. The work reflects Maszyński’s interest in everyday life and social interaction during the period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Julian Maszyński

Artist

Julian Maszyński

Julian Maszyński (1847–1901) was an artist, born in Warsaw.