Artwork
Woman Combing Her Hair
Woman Combing Her Hair is an oil painting by Władysław Ślewiński. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1899 by Polish artist Władysław Ślewiński, the oil painting *Woman Combing Her Hair* portrays a solitary figure in a quiet interior. The work belongs to the collection of the National Museum in Kraków and exemplifies the artist’s engagement with Symbolist and Post‑Impressionist currents that shaped turn‑of‑the‑century Polish art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a woman seated on a dark‑green sofa, her back turned toward the viewer. She wears an off‑the‑shoulder white dress and, with her right hand, runs a comb through long red hair, while her left arm rests on her knee. The act of grooming, rendered with subtle motion, invites contemplation of everyday ritual and private introspection.
Technique & Style
Ślewiński employs a restrained palette, contrasting the luminous dress and hair against the deep green of the couch. Broad, yet controlled brushstrokes give the fabric and background a tactile quality, while the delicate handling of the hair suggests movement. The overall effect balances the flatness typical of Post‑Impressionism with a lingering symbolic emphasis on the figure’s inner world.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the National Museum in Kraków’s holdings, where it remains on display. Ślewiński, a prominent member of the Young Poland movement, produced the work during a period of intense artistic exchange with Western Europe, reflecting his studies under Paul Gauguin and his own evolving aesthetic.
Context
At the close of the 19th century, Polish artists sought to fuse national identity with contemporary European styles. *Woman Combing Her Hair* illustrates this synthesis, merging Symbolist mood with Post‑Impressionist color and form. The domestic scene aligns with the movement’s interest in personal, emotive subjects drawn from everyday life.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Władysław Ślewiński (1 June 1856 – 24 March 1918) was a Polish painter. He was one of Gauguin's students and a leading artist of the Young Poland movement.
