Portrait of a nobleman (Sarmacki portrait), oil on canvas, Poland, 18th century.
The portrait, originally rectangular and later cut down to an oval and relined, depicts an elderly man in noble (szlachecki) attire characteristic of the 18th century. The figure is shown half-length, facing frontally with a slight turn of the torso and one hand resting on the hip, which lends the composition a sense of dignity and static elegance.
The face, with mature features such as a high forehead, short, thinning grey hair, and subtle wrinkles — is rendered realistically, with attention to individual physiognomic traits. The gaze is calm and restrained, conveying charisma and composure, as well as an established social standing. This is further emphasized by the impressive noble (szlachecki) attire: a żupan embroidered with gold thread, a dark blue kontusz lined with red fabric, fastened with large gold buttons, and a wide, light-colored sash tied around the hips.
The painting is an excellent example of the so-called “Sarmacki portrait”, emphasizing social class affiliation, wealth, and official position. It stands out for its solid artistic craftsmanship, naturalistic treatment, and the mature age of the sitter.
Portrait of Franciszka Krasinska, oil on canvas, Poland, ca. 1760
Portret epitafijny szlachcica herbu Topór (Starża), olej na blasze miedzianej, srebrzonej, Polska, przełom XVIII/XIX w.
Stanisław Chlebowski (1835-1884), Genre Scene – Dance, watercolor on paper, Istanbul (?), 1874
A small watercolor by Stanisław Chlebowski (artist's signature in the lower left corner: "St. Chlebowski 1874 ), depicting an intimate, dynamic and graceful genre scene of Oriental character. It reflects the artist's fascination with the culture of the Middle East and the Caucasus, which he explored during his many years of work as court painter to the Sultan in Istanbul.
With frame 50 x 42, visible area: 31.5 x 23.5 cm
Stanislaw Debicki (1866 – 1924), Portrait of a hunter with a shotgun, watercolor on paper
Stanislaw Gibinski (1882-1971), Winter scene “On the way to church”, watercolor and gouache on cardboard, Poland, ca. 1930-1940
Symeon Shimin (1902–1984), Gum Chum / This Mortal Coil, oil / mixed media on canvas, United States, circa 1945-1955
The presented canvas is a museum-quality easel painting by the esteemed American painter and muralist of Jewish-Russian descent, Symeon Shimin. The painting is an outstanding example of post-war socially engaged expressionism, combining features of narrative painting with poster-like persuasion. Signed lower right: S. Shimin (artist's signature, authenticated)
The work is characterized by an extremely condensed, claustrophobic composition with a powerful emotional charge. The foreground is dominated by the expressively deformed figure of an elderly man captured in a theatrical, accusatory gesture – his hand points directly at the viewer. This technique, intensifying the cinematic drama, directly refers to Shimin's rich experience in creating iconic political and film posters for Hollywood (the artist was, among others, the author of the original poster for the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind"). In the background, in a dark shadow, the melancholic face of a second sage emerges. The entire piece is rendered in a stark, earthy, monochromatic palette dominated by deep browns, blacks, and muted blue garments, with a masterful use of chiaroscuro.
Dimensions: 82.5 x 59.5 cm (with frame 85 x 62 cm)