INTRODUCTION

PAINTING
IN POLAND

I N   G A L L E R Y

Scene before a Duel

Old Man and Young Maiden

A Girl

St. Mary's Church
at Night

Four-in-Hand

Władysław Jarocki /1879-1965/ - “ST. MARY’S CHURCH AT NIGHT”,

Water color, 10” x 8” (24 x 19cm)

Architect, painter and graphic artist, Jarocki was the student of Józef Mehoffer and Leon Wyczółkowski, among others. He belonged to the “Young Poland” school of painters, as evidenced by his decorative style, which combines elements of painting and graphic arts. Jarocki was greatly attracted to folk art motifs, mainly from the Hucul and Podhale regions, and he was one of the leading painters of the Tatra Mountains.

This small watercolor was probably painted during World War II, during the German occupation when the artist, then living in Cracow, supplemented his income by painting many views of the royal city. This beautiful nocturne is taken at full winter moon, narrowly seen between the towers of the church. The gentle golden light sprays the cloudy sky. A few windows are lit and one can see a few pedestrians; there is also something of Christmas or New Year in the air.