The 19th century brought revolutionary changes to painting. At first, there was a return to Realism, but this era was short-lived due to profound social transformations brought about by the Industrial Revolution. New artistic trends emerged primarily in Paris, which became the capital of the art world.
The supply of 19th-century paintings is limited, much like that of the Old Masters. Their value continues to rise steadily, while acquisitions by museums further reduce the number of works available on the market.
Alexander Sochaczewski (1843-1923), Portrait of an elderly woman, oil on canvas, Munich, 1884-1897
The painting depicts an elderly woman, shown in a bust view, against a dark, neutral background. The figure is wearing a magnificent headdress - a large decorative cap with lace and a wide satin bow, from under which dark curls protrude. The woman's face has been portrayed in a realistic manner, with attention paid to fine details such as delicate wrinkles, subtle shadows around the eyes and soft chiaroscuro transitions on the skin. A large, softly placed shawl is visible under the neck, completing the elegant character of the portrait. The painting is signed on the back and framed in a Biedermeier style frame.
Battle of Mochacz, oil on canvas, Krakow, 1886
The painting depicts the scene of the 1526 Battle of Mohacz, showing the moment of the violent clash between the Christian army and the Ottoman army. The composition has the character of a multi-figural battle scene, focused on the dynamic battle between cavalry and infantry, with a clear emphasis placed on the chaos and drama of the battlefield. The artist operates a compact, densely populated composition, in which the silhouettes of the fighting men and horses fill almost the entire surface of the canvas. The work was executed in oil on canvas and is signed in the lower left corner: "Krakow 1886".
Stanislaw Debicki (1866 – 1924), Portrait of a hunter with a shotgun, watercolor on paper
Portrait of an elegant hunter. The painting depicts a middle-aged man, shown from the right semi-profile. He is dressed in a light gray hunting outfit, hat and black gloves; in his left hand he holds the barrel of a double-barrelled shotgun. Signed in lower right corner: St. Debicki. Done in watercolor technique on paper. Subdued colors - dominated by grays, beiges, greens and blues.