Signed p. d.: Cz. Wasilewski
Provenance:
private collection, Poland
Beautifully painted, extremely atmospheric genre scene, certainly one of the most interesting oil compositions by this author offered in recent times. The artist masterfully conveyed the realism of the motif, both in the depiction of figures warming themselves by the fire, the depiction of animals, and in the depiction of a gently misty winter forest. The subject matter presented was one of his favorites. It has a lightness and humor, mainly thanks to the figures of young girls, enlivening the composition also in terms of color - colorful scarves and skirts, breaking the ubiquitous white and gray. The magnificent format of the work makes it easy to move into the reality created by the painter, and it is also very decorative.
Wasilewski (also identified with the surname Zygmuntowicz), did not have an academic education, nevertheless, his undeniable talent ensured his popularity and recognition, especially during the interwar period. He collaborated with Wojciech Kossak, and exhibited in Warsaw's Zachęta and other Polish cities. In his oeuvre one notices references to the paintings of Brandt or Wierusz-Kowalski, but he also left on his canvases a distinct authorial touch, if only in the way he depicted views of nature.
