Maksymilian Gierymski
Gypsy Camp I, 1867–1868
Purchased in 1888
imnk
miniaturka

material: oil on canvas

dimensions: 40 × 63 cm

description: Night scenes, known as nocturnes, made a prominent part of Maksymilian Gierymski’s work. Technical and aesthetic issues related to this type of landscape were touched upon in his paintings shortly after he arrived in Munich. The Gypsy theme was quite popular in 19th century European art, not shunned by Polish painters connected with the Munich artistic milieu. The landscape presented here is very lyrical and intimate, while the human and animal figures make an integral part of nature. The dark mood of the painting influences the mood of the viewer, making it as quiet and peaceful as the night-time atmosphere. The blurred and hazy contours and the contrast between light and shadows endow the painting with symbolic meanings. This characteristic mood, sometimes described with the German word stimmung, was typical of Polish landscape painters, who had some experience resulting from their contacts with the Munich artistic community.

exposition: The Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art in Sukiennice,
The Cloth Hall, 1, Main Market Square


key: Realism, polish impressionism, beginnings of symbolism >>>

© 2010 National Museum in Krakow
design & concept: creator.pl
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