Frightened Horses (1911) by Kazimierz Sichulski (1879–1842)National Museum in Wrocław
Here, the painter depicts a common motif which also recurred later in modified form, with two or three horses.
The painting is a perfect example of Expressionist principles from the early 20th century put into practice. Kazimierz Sichulski did not, however, usually restrict himself to sticking within this one convention.
The somber, dark, and monochromatic tone of the painting is in stark contrast with the sky, building a sense of unease and threat.
Deformed silhouettes of horses are not only unsettling, but also serve to enhance the sense of movement present in the composition.
There is the artist’s signature, Sich., in the upper-right corner. Below: 911. It can also be clearly seen that paint is laid thickly and dynamically, creating a coarse texture.
The painting presented represents evidence of the fascination with Expressionist art in the early 20th century.
Gifted by the artist to Halina Wierzbicka in Lviv, and later in Kudowa-Zdrój; made available by the National Museum in Wrocław in 1970 from Zofia Krzysztofowicz, Kudowa-Zdrój.
Title: Shied horses:
▪️ Author: Kazimierz Sichulski
▪️ Date: 1911
▪️ Technique: oil on canvas
▪️ Size: 96 cm height, 221 cm width
▪️ Direction/style: modern art counted as expressive style