Portrait of Józef Piłsudski (after Konrad Krzyżanowski)
Painting on paper or cardboard, likely a study or tribute piece • Signed 'M. Winkle...' (possibly Marian Winkler or a similar name), marked 'Według Konrada Krzyżanowskiego' (After Konrad Krzyżanowski)
Style & Movement
Modernist Expressionism (20th-century Polish school style, referencing Early Modernism)
Medium & Technique
Oil or gouache on paper/cardboard, utilizing expressive, impasto-like brushwork and wet-on-wet technique
Creation Period
1985 (as dated lower right)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 cm; portrait orientation
Subject Description
A portrait of Polish statesman Józef Piłsudski, based on the iconic 1920 painting by Konrad Krzyżanowski. It features a high forehead, thick bushy eyebrows, and a characteristic walrus mustache, symbolizing Polish independence and military strength.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant and the support appears stable within the frame
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Acquired likely from a Polish private collection or regional auction; bears an inscription indicating it is a copy/homage to Krzyżanowski's famous work.
Art Historical Significance
A contemporary tribute to one of Poland's most significant historical figures and a reinterpretation of a canonical work of Polish Expressionism. It demonstrates the lasting impact of Krzyżanowski's psychological portraiture on later 20th-century artists.
Notable Features
Includes a clear Polish inscription 'Według Konrada Krzyżanowskiego' and is dated 1985, featuring a bold, gestural application of paint that mimics the energy of the original 1920 masterpiece.
Condition Issues
Minor edge wear consistent with framing; light surface dust; possible slight yellowing of the paper support in unpainted areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass to prevent fading of the pigments and brittleness of the paper.