Water Hen

In the 1890s, Chełmoński’s paintings were compared with those of Scan�dinavian artists, although one can hardly assume that Chełmoński knew their
works. The works of the Swedish animalist Bruno Liljefors show nature as a kingdom independent of human activity. The rhythm of animal life is determined by the cycle of seasons and the power of survival, hence the numerous scenes of hunting, mating, and feeding the young. Capercaillies, eagles, owls, ducks, foxes, or cats are often painted in close-up and with great precision. The careful observation of animals is accompanied by a free treatment of the landscape, sections of which are adapted to their poses and movements. We find a similar attitude towards the animalistic motif in Chełmoński, who combines close and distant views, showing wild birds or hares against the background of a landscape seen from a low vantage point.