Józef Bałzukiewicz

Józef Bałzukiewicz ( Lithuanian Juozapas Balzukevičius ; born April 1, 1867 in Vilnius , † February 11, 1915 ibid) was a Polish painter .

Life

He grew up in the family of an engraver in Vilnius. His younger brother was the sculptor Bolesław Bałzukiewicz .

He received his first artistic training at the drawing school of Ivan Trutnew of the Vilnius Art Academy . From 1887 to 1893 he continued his education at the Petersburg Art Academy under the direction of Professor Bogdan Willewalde . His successes during this period are underscored by a number of medals, including a silver medal from 1893 .

After completing his training, he worked for three years as a drawing teacher in Cherepovets and in Ukraine . Since 1897 he lived in Vilnius. Here he taught technical drawing at the school of Józef Montwiłł and in 1912 he took over its management. In addition, he initiated drawing courses in evening classes.

Józef Bałzukiewicz was one of the founders of the Vilnius Artists' Society in 1908 and took part in the annual spring exhibitions organized by this society.

Bałzukiewicz created realistic depictions of the life and traditions of peasants, pictures with motifs from Vilnius, portraits and works with religious motifs. He painted his paintings about Vilnius in oils and watercolors . He also dealt with the restoration of paintings. The academic dryness of his works was reduced by the influence of Impressionism . Much of his work can now be seen in the Lithuanian Art Museum .

He died in his hometown of Vilnius in 1915. His grave monument, created by his brother Bolesław Bałzukiewicz, was erected in 1925 .

Works (selection)

• Saint Stanislaus
• The Apostle Bartholomew
• Plowman with bulls ( 1899 )
• The Grove ( 1900 )
• Two houses in Samkovaya ( 1910 )
• The gate to the Chapel of St. Casimir in the Vilna Cathedral