Wincenty Wodzinowski (1866 – 1940) is one of those artists who enjoyed enormous popularity in their life, only to be forgotten a few decades later.
Self Portrait, 1895
A student of Jan Matejko, and contemporary of such famous painters as Jan Styka (1858-1925), Stanisław Wyspiański (1869 – 1907), and Jacek Malczewski (1854 -1929), Wodzinowski, a native of Kraków, outlived them all. In his last years, forced by financial need, he churned out paintings which still adorn many of Kraków’s homes and doctor’s offices, but which also tarnished his reputation and contributed to his falling into oblivion.
A very comprehensive and beautifully designed exhibit at the Krzysztofory Division of the Kraków Historical Museum shows not only Wodzinowski’s artistic achievements, but also his last period of hackwork (which, due to the painter’s huge popularity, were often plagiarized during his life) as well as takes visitors on a journey into the painter’s fascinating life.
Especially interesting and of value are large-scale paintings representing scenes from peasant life, such as weddings, funerals, harvests and going to a market. Due to the realism in showing the ethnographic details of the events, of the scenery and clothing, but also to a masterful depiction of the full range of human emotions, they offer a unique window into the times long time past.
Wodzinowski was one of many late nineteenth century’s painters known for their “chłopomania”. Translated in the exhibit as “the vogue of peasants”, “chłopomania” of which the best-known representative in the Polish arts is possibly Stanisław Wyspiański, refers to a very keen interest in the life of the Polish peasantry, combined with an appreciation, fascination and idealization of “pure” and close-to-nature, peasant life.
To give an idea of how appreciated Wodzinowski was during his lifetime, let’s mention that one of the greatest patrons of the arts of the time, the eccentric and rich Count Ignacy Korwin Milewski gifted the young Wodzinowski an estate in a village Swoszowice (located close to Kraków) to provide the artist, who painted mostly rural scenes, with the most suitable working environment. Milewski also commissioned many paintings from Wodzinowski. Not many painters enjoyed this luxury of stability and steady income, therefore some envied Wodzinowski.
After a tragic accident during which a young son of the painter was shot dead while playing with his friends, Wodzinowski sold the Swoszowice estate and moved back to Kraków.
In addition to being a painter, Wodzinowski was also a long-time art teacher, a very skillful illustrator, a patriot and an activist involved in many causes, and a soldier. For 20 years he taught special courses for women, while during WWI he took up arms and together with his other son fought in the Piłsudski Legions.
Being a famous artist also known for his portraits, Wodzinowski had many beautiful women pose for him, a few of whom became his muses and even lovers, which contributed to occasional scandals.
While you might not have heard of Wodzinowski, you are probably familiar with “The Panorama of Racławice”, a legendary painting authored by Jan Styka. Wodzinowski was one of the painters invited by Styka to participate in the creation of this enormous canvas (15 x 114 meters) commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the victorious Battle of Racławice.
If you are in Kraków, visit this fascinating show and (re)discover the artist whose fame once superseded the popularity of – for example – Jacek Malczewski.
The exhibit “Wincenty Wodzinowski. Czuły obserwator” (“Wincenty Wodzinowski. A Tender observer”) will be open until November 3, 2024.
Text and photos (with the exception of the photo listed below): Alina Klin
Wodzinowski’s self-portrait: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wincenty_Wodzinowski#/media/Plik:Wincenty_Wodzinowski_-_Self-portrait_with_palette_-_MP_761_MNW_-_National_Museum_in_Warsaw.jpg
