Orchard in Winter

Józef Czajkowski (1872-1947) belongs to the group of painters who studied in Munich, Paris, and subsequently Kraków. Czajkowski was in contact with the remarkable artistic personality of Jan Stanisławski and took part in the plein air sessions which the latter organised. Czajkowski most often painted Polish landscapes, primarily from the vicinity of Kraków. Orchard in Winter was created in 1900, most likely in Bronowice. The white of the snow lit by the bright sun contrasts with the black of the leafless, twisted branches of the old apple trees. This juxtaposition creates a striking and decorative effect, additionally highlighted by the dark line created by the bent branches. Their shapes bring to mind wavy, successive lines. The paint is applied firmly and thickly, with texture, strengthening the emotional mood of the composition. The sophisticated colour palette, using shades of grey and white, may be the result of Czajkowski’s studies in Paris.