Artwork
Portrait of Michalina Szymanowska née Naimska, artist’s mother with her grandson Wacław
Portrait of Michalina Szymanowska née Naimska, artist’s mother with her grandson Wacław is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Wacław Szymanowski. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
This 1898 oil painting by Wacław Szymanowski depicts his mother, Michalina, with her grandson Wacław. It is a representative work of the post-impressionist style and is held in the National Museum in Warsaw.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Michalina Szymanowska, an older woman with light hair, holding a small child, Wacław, who gazes directly at the viewer. The dark, blurred background emphasizes the figures, creating a sense of intimacy.
Technique & Style
Szymanowski employed thick, visible brushstrokes, characteristic of the impasto technique, to create a textured effect. This is particularly evident in the rendering of the woman's dress and the child's face, giving the painting a sense of depth and vitality.
History & Provenance
The painting was created in 1898 by Wacław Szymanowski, a Polish artist known for his work in both painting and sculpture, including a notable statue of Frédéric Chopin in Warsaw's Royal Baths Park. It is now part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wacław Szymanowski (23 August 1859 – 22 July 1930) was a Polish sculptor and painter. He is best known for his statue of composer Frédéric Chopin in Warsaw's Royal Baths Park (Łazienki Park).
