Death, central section of the triptych “Disaster”, sketch
1870
oil
From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw
1870
oil
From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw
This painting shows a figure on horseback, with a white cloak flowing behind them. The horse is dark brown and appears to be walking through water, with its head down and its front legs bent. The background is dark and cloudy, with hints of orange and yellow in the distance. The figure on the horse is faceless, adding to the sense of mystery and foreboding. The overall mood of the painting is somber and ominous, with the dark colors and cloudy sky creating a sense of tension. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and drama to the painting. To learn more about this technique, look up chiaroscuro.