The Great Painters
Aleksander Gierymski
- priest of light
Aleksander Gierymski (1850-1901)
His paintings have become a symbol of the struggle for quality in Polish art and purely artistic criteria for its evaluation. He left delightful light studies and the most beautiful views of 19th century Warsaw - almost a photo reportage from the streets of Warsaw. Thanks to both Gierymski brothers, Polish painting became involved in the artistic problems of European art. The shadow of his older brother's fame was a tragic figure until his death, eternally dissatisfied with himself.
EMINENT REPRESENTATIVE OF REALISM
PAINTER OF ARCHITECTURE
GREAT COLORIST AND LUMINIST
REALISTIC, "REPORTAGE" SCENES FROM LIFE
LANDSCAPIST
PICTURES LIKE PHOTOS
Aleksander Gierymski
1850
(30 January) Aleksander Gierymski, son of Józef (administrator of the Ujazdowski Hospital in Warsaw) and Julia née Kielichowska was born in Warsaw. Aleksander was the younger brother of Maximilian Gierymski, also a painter.
1867
began his education in the Warsaw Drawing Class
1868
He went to study at the Munich Academy in May, thanks to his brother's position Maximilian - Aleksander Gierymski was admitted to the Academy without an exam. Unlike his brother, he studied painting for a long time - almost 6 years
1872
graduated from the Academy with an award for the painting "Merchant of Venice"
1873
he lived with his seriously ill brother in Rome, continuing to care for him in his illness
1875
Aleksander Gierymski met Helena Modrzejewska and increased the group of admirers who admired her. He attended concerts held at her home, admired her at the theatre, repeatedly drew her graceful figure, typical gestures and poses - later he used these sketches in the painting "Italian siesta". The youthful affection for a 10 years older muse, experiencing moments of the greatest fame, and also already married, has no future. Aleksander Gierymski, like his brother Maximilian, did not start a family.
1879
returned to Warsaw, the "Warsaw period" in the work of Aleksander Gierymski began then
1885
by "Wanderer" turned out to be "Album by Max and Aleksander Gierymski"
1888
Aleksander Gierymski left for Munich and Paris
1893
returned to Poland and painted in Bronowice
1895
he went to Munich again
1897-1899
He travelled to Italy (Venice, Palermo, Siena), stayed in Paris and returned to Rome.
1899-1901
He spent the last period of his life in Italy. Italian landscapes, sunny urban landscapes and building interiors, painted with pedantic accuracy, come from these years. His constant pursuit of perfection became his obsession and anguish. He was struggling with mental depression. The manic trifle visible in some canvases was one of the manifestations of growing neurasthenia.
1901
Nervous disorder finally led to exhaustion - Aleksander Gierymski died on 8 March in a psychiatric hospital in Rome. He was buried in the Roman cemetery of Campo Verano.