Portrait of the father, Jerzy

Author: Silvanowicz Nikodem , 1834 - 1919

Created: Second half of the 19th century.

Material / technique: oil on canvas.

Dimensions: 55 x 42 cm.

Signature: On the frame a paper inventory sticker described by Stefania Swiechowska: 'Nikodem Sylwanowicz. | Portrait of the artist's father, Jerzy.'

The painting comes from the collection of the late Stefania Świechowska, wife of the artist's second son Stanisław and his heir. The figure depicted in the portrait can be identified from the inventory label created by Świechowska on the other side. The portrait of the artist's father conforms to the academic conventions of 19th-century portraiture. Slvanavičius masterfully manipulated light and shadow, placing his father's figure against a deep, enveloping black background and illuminating only his figure, creating the impression that it is emerging from the darkness. His father's posture is stern and determined, as is his attire, without unnecessary embellishments. A simple white shirt and black waistcoat lend the figure character and gravitas. Looking at the portrait, there is no doubt that it depicts the head of the family.