Artur Markowicz (1872–1934), The Reader [page from a sketchbook]

Watercolor over a pencil sketch; dimensions: 19.6 x 16 cm; in the lower left corner, an ownership stamp: "A. Markowicz | EX COLL.[ectione] M. K". On the reverse, a paper patch covering a previous tear.

Artur Markowicz (1872–1934) was a painter, printmaker, and a prominent figure in the Polish-Jewish artistic community. He studied in Kraków, Munich, and Paris. He is known primarily for his pastel scenes from Jewish life in Kazimierz, portraits, and cityscapes, in which he combined realism with subtle coloration and keen observation of everyday life.