Stanislaw Wyspianski
While in Wroclaw (Poland) this weekend, a friend introduced me to the art of one of the most well-known late 19th – early 20th century Polish artists Stanislaw Wyspianski (1869-1907). Wyspianski was an all-round artistic genius – a playwright, poet, artist and designer! The characterful vivacity and vivid colouring in his works betray his love for theatre and drama but his perceptive nature is also evident in the sensitivity of his character studies. His works depict small snippets of daily life – thematically and stylistically having much in common with his contemporaries, the post-impressionist group Les Nabis – including Vuillard and Bonnard who focused on the symbolic and spiritual in everyday life. There is also something very ‘Toulouse-Lautrec’ in the manner in which Wyspianski uses line and contour. Most of the pastel drawings and paintings in this post depict scenes from family life which must have been a constant source of inspiration for him.
I adore the way in which Wyspianski has so accurately captured that dazed and confused expression of a child who has just woken up, not quite sure where she is, or what is going on.
This is a self portrait of Wyspianski with his wife who is dressed in a traditional Polish costume. With their serious and concentrated expressions it seems probable that Wyspianski was copying their reflections in a mirror.
This tender image illustrates the nurturing quality of a mother and the fascination and concern of the older daughters. The image also shows how Wyspianski experimented and played with style – this painting looking distinctly Pre-Raphaelite.
Vuillard
Bonnard
Toulous Lautrec
art mundus 
Thanks for introducing Wyspianski to the world beyond Poland, Laxmi. It is always fascinating to encounter artists, who are famous and well-loved in their own countries, who are less well known elsewhere. The portraits of mothers, wives and children, reminded me of Mary Cassatt (Degas invited her to exhibit with the impressionists, between 1879-86). Like Wyspianski, Cassatt used pastels to record homely scenes, and the fleeting expressions and intimacies between mothers and children. Some of her later work was also indebted to Vuillard. Another very interesting blog, Laxmi!
Laxmi!
How luck I am to come (late ) finally to read your blog today with this gift of this bright polish! I just loved his work, the image of the nurturing baby, the children, I love it. Big hug and lots of inspiration for you!
Myriam
Waw! I had already seen this post a couple of times and it touches me again and again, how could he transmit so powerfully the innocence of these children, and the beauty of daily life… transforming this world in the heaven all wishes for.
Thanks for this very nice exhibition about the Artist Stanislaw Wyspianski.
Cordially.
AND.