Artwork
Old Library
Old Library is an oil painting by Stanisław Żukowski. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.
About this work
Overview
Old Library is a 1916 oil painting by Stanisław Żukowski, a Polish-Russian artist linked to the Mir iskusstva movement. The work is part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a serene library interior, emphasizing warmth and natural light. A large window on the right admits sunlight, casting shadows across the floor, and illuminating the simple, dark wood furniture set against light-colored walls.
Technique & Style
Żukowski employed oil paint to achieve a sense of intimacy and tranquility, characteristic of Mir iskusstva's emphasis on aesthetic detail and atmosphere. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the room's depth and inviting ambiance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1916, Old Library is now held in the National Museum in Kraków. Żukowski (1873-1944) was a notable contributor to the early 20th-century Mir iskusstva collective, influencing Russian art.
Context
Mir iskusstva, or 'World of Art,' was a Russian art movement (1899-1917) that promoted a return to elegance and beauty, often focusing on interior scenes and everyday life, which Old Library exemplifies.
Legacy
As part of the Mir iskusstva movement, Old Library contributes to the legacy of early 20th-century Russian art's shift towards refined, intimate depictions of domestic spaces.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Stanislav Yulianovich Zhukovsky (Polish: Stanisław Żukowski, Russian: Станислав Юлианович Жуковский; 1873–1944) was a Polish-Russian painter, and a member of Mir iskusstva.
