Ruins of the castle in Janowiec on the Vistula

Wojciech Gerson (1831–1901) tied his professional life in Warsaw, where he conducted extensive scientific, cultural and pedagogical activities. He began studying architecture and painting at the local School of Fine Arts. In 1867, he opened a private studio for students, and from 1871 he managed the famous Drawing Class, in which several generations of students received their artistic education - including J. Chełmoński, J. Pankiewicz and L. Wyczółkowski. In the years 1849–1953 he co-founded the so-called Marcin Olszyński's group, referred to as the first Warsaw bohemia, bringing together students of the School of Fine Arts. Artists from the circle of Olszyński - a patron of art and photographer, were guided by patriotic ideas related to the desire to renew Polish painting, implemented during artistic activities during their travels around the country and wandering around Warsaw. Already during his studies, Gerson and his friends set off on "water-foot journeys", documenting the journey in dozens of sketches in pencil or watercolours. By analyzing the drawings, usually precisely described and dated by the artist, one can trace the route of his journey. Gerson travelled to the Lublin region twice. The view of the Firlej Castle in Janowiec comes from his second trip, which he made in 1853 in the company of M. Olszyński, J. Cegliński and J. Majewski. It led from Warsaw through Przytoczno and Łysobyki to Lubartów, Zawieprzyce and Lublin, and then to Puławy, Bochotnica, Kazimierz and Janowiec. Gerson spent at least three days in Janowiec, documenting his stay with several drawings. The first shots of the castle were taken, dated on 9 August, and two days later, the artist made a sketch of the chalice from the church in Janowiec. Years later, Gerson returned to his memories of Janowiec by publishing a series of articles devoted to Powiśle in "Tygodnik Powszechny" (1885), which he illustrated with graphic versions of drawings made in Janowiec. The view in question shows the castle from the entrance side, with the preserved remains of a representative gate and a corner tower. The man leaning over the sketchbook is perhaps one of the artists taking part with Gerson on a pilgrimage around the Lublin region.

Anna Hałata