Jacek MALCZEWSKI (1854-1929), "Siberians - a prayer" (1895)

Author: MALCZEWSKI Jacek
Title: Siberians - Prayer (1895)
Technique: oil, beveled board
Dimensions: 31 x 20.7 cm
Dimensions with frame: 46.9 x 36.4 cm
Signed and dated underneath: "J Malczewski 95"

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
Siberian themes appeared in the mind of Jacek Malczewski as early as the 1870s, while the first paintings of this series were created at the beginning of the next decade, and the last ones already in the 20th century. The work presented here shows a touching scene of prayer on a stage. Quite unique in this case is the depiction of boys as the main protagonists of the composition - in other paintings of the series children actually rarely appear. The boys are kneeling at a wooden table, on which they have placed the travelers' bundle sticks and headgear removed for prayer a moment ago. Behind them stands a man reading a passage from a breviary or Bible. In the distance can be seen the already slightly blurring figures of the Siberians, one of whom is looking curiously at the scene unfolding in the foreground. The painting is painted in the artist's typical color palette, and the greenish-blue shadows colorfully inscribe the work into the sentimental mood of the patriotic-historical Siberian cycle.

Biography of Jacek Malczewski is available on the website of Krakow Auction House [SEE].