THEODORE AXENTOWICZ, PORTRAIT OF AN OLD MAN

Pastel, paper, 48.5 x 34 cm, signed l.d.: T. Axentowicz.

Painter, pastelist, lithographer. He was in his time one of the most famous and respected Polish artists. He was educated at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, and then supplemented his studies in Paris, where he stayed for several years. He took part in the Paris Salons. In 1890 he became a member of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. He also made numerous trips to London. In 1895 he returned to Poland and settled permanently in Cracow, appointed professor of the local School of Fine Arts (from 1900 the Academy). He taught continuously at the academy until 1934, serving twice as rector. He was one of the founding members of the Society of Polish Artists "Art", a member of the Vienna "Secession" and a contributor to its magazine "Ver Sacrum". He was especially successful with idealized images of refined ladies and graceful children's portraits. He also painted genre paintings. He was one of the first painters of the Hutsul region and the Hutsul people. He painted with oil paints and watercolor, and after 1890, primarily with his masterful pastel technique.