The Moments of Life by Vincenty Smokowski
Album of 22 Drawings Offer a Glimpse into 19th-Century Life
Children and a beggar (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
A Glimpse into Smokowski's Talent
The album of 22 sketches in Indian ink (some signed by the artist: Wincenty Smokowski fecit), supplements the substantial yet still insufficiently recognised artistic legacy of Wincenty Smokowski.
Wincenty Smokowski (Vincentas Smakauskas, 1797 — 1876), was a Lithuanian-Polish painter and illustrator in the Academic and Classical styles.
Meeting with the mother (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
The precise dates on which the works were created are unknown, but they were most likely produced in the late period of the artist‘s career, that is, after 1858, while he was living at the wife‘s manor in Krikonys and Vilnius.
Conversation (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Conversation (mid-19th century)
Grief (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Grief (mid-19th century)
Sacrifice for beggar (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Children in Focus
In many of this album‘s works, children are the major actors. Smokowski liked to draw them in various situations, spending time with their parents or other children.
Mischievous children (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Mischievous Children (mid-19th century)
Walking with children (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Walking with Children (mid-19th century)
Peasant talk (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Peasant Talk (mid-19th century)
Rest (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Capturing Everyday Moments
Smokowski often focused on figures in his drawings, sometimes including their surroundings. This style offers a glimpse into daily life and relationships.
These drawings provide a unique perspective on the people and places of his time.
A bedtime story (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
This heartwarming drawing shows an elderly woman sharing a story with a child in a cozy room.
The scene illustrates Smokowski's focus on the simple joys of life and his ability to capture intimate moments with warmth and detail.
The girl and the beggar (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
The composition of a blind beggar with a child in a church calls to mind one of Smokowski’s painting with the same theme, only in the painting the figures are seen in a landscape.
Meeting of nobles (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Meeting of Nobles (mid-19th century)
Ladies' afternoon with children (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Ladies' Afternoon with Children (mid-19th century)
Carriage trip (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Carriage Trip (mid-19th century)
A detailed depiction of a horse-drawn carriage, showcasing the elegance and grandeur of 19th-century transport.
The artist's attention to detail highlights the intricate design of the carriage and the passengers' attire.
Wolf hunting (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Wolf Hunting (mid-19th century)
Domestic scene (Children and nannies) (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Domestic Scene (Children and Nannies) (mid-19th century)
Mother and daughter (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Mother and Daughter (mid-19th century)
Domestic scene (noble family) (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Domestic Scene (Noble Family) (mid-19th century)
Smokowski's depiction of a noble family in their home offers a tranquil and intimate view of daily life.
The gentle expressions on their faces, and the absence of any immediate activity create a sense of peace and serenity.
Presentation to the public (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Presentation to the Public (mid-19th century)
Beggar (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Beggar (mid-19th century)
Peasants after fun (mid-19th century) by Vincentas SmakauskasLithuanian Art Fund
Connecting with the Past
These sheets from the 19th century capture moments from the everyday lives of the lesser nobility.
Although the subjects are strangers, the scenes depicted by the artists are instantly familiar, connecting us to a bygone era and a history not recorded in our textbooks.
