Artwork
Carol (I) într-un cimitir
Carol (I) într-un cimitir is a print by Costin Petrescu. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Bucharest Municipality Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1922 by Romanian painter Costin Petrescu (1872‑1943), *Carol (I) într-un cimitir* portrays a solitary, dark‑clad figure moving through a muted, green‑hued cemetery. A pale, elongated cross rises behind the group, positioned slightly off centre. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and reflects Petrescu’s interest in historic and symbolic subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The composition suggests a moment of contemplation or mourning, with the lone individual approaching a cluster of smaller forms—perhaps graves or mourners—under the looming cross. By placing King Carol I in this funerary setting, Petrescu evokes the intersection of national leadership and mortality, inviting reflection on the transience of power.
Technique & Style
Petrescu applied thick, uneven layers of paint, producing a textured surface that emphasizes contrasts of light and shadow. The heavy impasto creates areas that appear to glow against darker tones, a chiaroscuro effect that heightens the dramatic atmosphere. The brushwork remains expressive rather than refined, lending the scene a raw, almost tactile quality.
History & Provenance
After its completion in the early 1920s, the painting entered the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display. Petrescu is also known for large‑scale public works, notably the frescoes in the Romanian Athenaeum executed between 1934 and 1939, demonstrating his versatility across formats.
Artist & collection
Artist
Costin Petrescu (May 10, 1872 – October 15, 1954) was a Romanian painter. Born in Pitești, he moved to Bucharest in 1892, attending the Fine Arts School for three years. He executed the monumental fresco in the Romanian…
