Artwork

Portrait of Mrs. Kotarska, wife of Józef Kotarski

Portrait of Mrs. Kotarska, wife of Józef Kotarski, by Ryszard Okniński, oil, 1896
Portrait of Mrs. Kotarska, wife of Józef Kotarski, by Ryszard Okniński, oil, 1896

Portrait of Mrs. Kotarska, wife of Józef Kotarski is an oil painting by Ryszard Okniński. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created around 1896 by Ryszard Okniński, is a portrait of a woman identified as Mrs. Kotarska, the wife of Józef Kotarski. It is part of the National Museum's collection in Warsaw.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a dark-haired woman in a dark jacket and white collared shirt, turned slightly to the right, wearing large hoop earrings. Her expression is the focal point, captured against a muted green background.

Technique & Style

Okniński employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality, drawing attention to the subject's face. The artist's use of light and shadow adds volume to the portrait.

Context

The painting's surface shows signs of aging, with visible wear, scratches, and scuffs, indicating it has been handled and displayed extensively over the years.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ryszard Okniński

Artist

Ryszard Okniński

Ryszard Okniński (1848–1925) was an artist, born in Śniadowo.