Self-portrait II

Ignacy Pinkas attended secondary school in Jasło. From the very beginning, he showed interest in painting and wanted to study in this direction. His parents did not support his choice, which made him leave home and start earning his living and studying painting independently. For two and a half years, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków in the atelier of Stanisław Dębicki and Jacek Malczewski, probably as a free student since he is not listed in the student register of the Academy. Military service also played an essential role in his life. In 1914, he joined the Legions, where, with the rank of sergeant, he served in the 1st Artillery Regiment of the 1st Brigade until the oath crisis of 1917 and then in the Polish Auxiliary Corps. This experience was reflected in the painter's works. In February 1918, Pinkas was interned. A self-portrait in the collection of the National Museum in Szczecin comes from this year. The artist painted his image wearing a light-coloured overcoat against a dark background. His head is bowed, the right side of his face remains in shadow. The expression on his face is rather sombre. His right hand is supporting his waist, and his left hand is in the pocket of his apron. The position of the body gives the impression that the artist is taking a break from work as if he were contemplating further action or the essence of his work. Behind him, on the floor on the left, there is a jug with brushes and a small folding chair with a framed picture standing by its backrest. These objects suggest the temporary nature of the workshop. The dark colours of the canvas contribute to the atmosphere of the painting - the colours, mainly greys and browns, are subdued.

Beata Małgorzata Wolska