Jerzy Mierzejewski (1917-2012), HOLY JADWIG, 1961

oil/canvas, 98 x 76.5 cm
signed p.d.: Jerzy Mierzejewski 1961
signed, described and dated on the back:
MAL. JERZY MIERZEJEWSKI | POLAND | 1961 | oil | "HOLY JADWIGA" | 98 x 76.5 cm | in circle 34 | 6-II

The painting depicting Saint Jadwiga of Silesia is an exceptional work in the artist's oeuvre. The painter is known primarily as the author of sublime landscapes, which are characterized by a dusty white color scheme, making them appear veiled in mist. Portraits and interiors painted by Mierzejewski are similarly unreal. "I usually paint in the studio," the artist said. - I use loose notes made from nature. The painting itself is actually created "in me" and I have to bring it out of myself only. Both portrait and landscape, not to mention still life [...], arise in me clearly from a very specific inspiration. It is different with "compositions" - here the idea of a painting is formed for a very long time and is subject to transformations aimed at an almost purist synthesis." Is this how the representation of the medieval saint was created? One thing is certain - the synthesis of forms and color palette, giving the effect of monochrome, refer to Cubism, especially to the paintings of Braque. Mierzejewski once admitted: "In my paintings I see some connections with Cubism, which is a trend in 20th century painting that I consider only relevant to my understanding of painting." However, it was not formal issues that were primary for Mierzejewski: "I don't think about the aesthetics of my painting. I believe that painting should appeal to human feelings. Perhaps this flows from an aversive attitude to the direction in which the reality of this world is developing before my eyes - the disappearance of metaphysical feelings carried by modernity and total chaos arouse my opposition" (all quotes are from: Jerzy Mierzejewski, ZPAP Gallery at Mazowiecka [cat. exhibition], Warsaw 1992).