Kościół św. Anny w Krakowie (St. Anne's Church in Krakow)
Work on paper, drawing and watercolor • Czesław Rzepiński (1905–1995) or a member of the Krakow school of colorists; signed lower right
Style & Movement
Polish Post-Impressionism / Colorism; specific to the Krakow artistic tradition of architectural landscapes
Medium & Technique
Ink, wash, and watercolor on paper; executed with fine pen outlines, tonal gray washes for shadows, and atmospheric watercolor tinting
Creation Period
Circa 1974 (based on the inscription/signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 cm; portrait orientation
Subject Description
A high-angle architectural view of St. Anne's Collegiate Church in Krakow, Poland. The composition focuses on the Baroque domes and clock tower rising above the clay-tile roofs of the city's old town. The lighting suggests late afternoon with long, dramatic shadows that emphasize the structural geometry of the Baroque architecture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the paper shows some light toning and minor acidity from the matting, but the pigments remain stable and clear.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired in Krakow, Poland; private collection. The signature and date suggest a direct acquisition from the artist or a local gallery in the mid-1970s.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century Polish topographical art. It captures the historical preservation of Krakow's skyline, which was a central theme for academic artists associated with the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts.
Notable Features
Features a distinct architectural signature and date in the lower right corner; captures the specific late-Baroque onion domes and cross finials characteristic of Tylman van Gameren's design of St. Anne's.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper (acidification) due to contact with a non-archival mat board; possible minor fading of the darker ink washes if exposed to UV light.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-matting using acid-free, museum-quality materials and framing under UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing and pigment degradation.