Artwork
Portrait of a young fisherman
Portrait of a young fisherman is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Władysław Ślewiński. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Władysław Ślewiński’s Portrait of a Young Fisherman (1900) is an oil painting executed in a post‑impressionist manner. The work is part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings and reflects the artist’s involvement with the Young Poland movement.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts a teenage boy, his expression solemn, dressed in a dark hat, a light‑pink collar, a blue sweater and a red‑black striped scarf. The attire suggests a working‑class youth, possibly engaged in fishing, conveying a quiet dignity of everyday labor.
Technique & Style
Ślewiński employs bold yet softened hues, arranging purple and green brushstrokes in the background. Thick, visible brushwork creates a textured surface, reminiscent of impasto, while the overall palette remains restrained, characteristic of his post‑impressionist approach.
History & Provenance
Born in 1856, Ślewiński studied with Paul Gauguin before returning to Poland, where he became a central figure in the Young Poland artistic circle. The painting entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection, where it remains on display.
Artist & collection
Artist
Władysław Ślewiński (1 June 1856 – 24 March 1918) was a Polish painter. He was one of Gauguin's students and a leading artist of the Young Poland movement.
