Artwork

Levy in Mass

Levy in Mass, by Maurycy Gottlieb, oil, 1873
Levy in Mass, by Maurycy Gottlieb, oil, 1873

Levy in Mass is an oil painting by the Realist artist Maurycy Gottlieb. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

Levy in Mass is an 1873 oil painting by Maurycy Gottlieb, a Polish-Jewish realist painter. Completed during his short career, the work is part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a group in a courtyard, with a central figure holding a flag and gesturing to the crowd. The scene's setting and figures suggest a historical or biblical context, though the specific event is not immediately clear.

Technique & Style

Gottlieb employed bold, expressive brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette to create a sense of energy and movement. The use of light directs the viewer's attention to the central figure and flag.

History & Provenance

Created in 1873, the painting is characteristic of the Realism movement. It is associated with Gottlieb's brief tenure as a student of Jan Matejko before his death at 23.

Context

As a Realist work, Levy in Mass reflects Gottlieb's training under Matejko and his engagement with depicting everyday and historical life with realism.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Maurycy Gottlieb

Artist

Maurycy Gottlieb

Maurycy Gottlieb (; 21 February 1856 – 17 July 1879) was a Polish-Jewish realist painter of the Romantic period. Considered one of the most talented students of Jan Matejko, Gottlieb died at the age of 23.