On Podhale

Na Podhalu [In Podhale] is a prominent genre composition whose theme is a highland wedding. The ceremony takes place in the picturesque scenery of a mountain settlement. The participants of the event, in colourful regional costumes, gathered in small groups, occupy successive planes in the composition. From the foreground scene in front of the inn through a joyful wedding procession to people gathered in the distance in front of the church, individual episodes create a vivid story about one of the most important events in the community's life. The depicted figures are faithfully characterised by their attire and surroundings, creating typical images of rural inhabitants. The painting is a characteristic example of the painting of Hipolit Lipiński (1846-1884), which stylistically belongs to the realist trend developing in Polish art of the mid-19th century. However, in contrast to its most eminent representatives such as Aleksander Kotsis, Józef Szermentowski or Aleksander Gierymski, through his works the artist did not join the ideological discussion and criticism of the social situation of the time. Instead, he strove to recreate the unique atmosphere and climate of the stories depicted, highlighting certain characteristic elements. He preferred to paint nostalgic, extended genre scenes, showing urban and rural customs and rituals related to holidays or special events. The painter was associated with Krakow where he lived and studied at the local academy under Jan Matejko. Most of the painted scenes are set in this city and its nearby mountainous surroundings. Among the best known are Targ na Kleparzu [Market at Kleparz] (1871), Procesja Bożego Ciała przed kościołem św. Barbary w Krakowie [Procession of Corpus Christi in Front of St Barbara's Church in Kraków] (1881), Konik zwierzyniecki [Horse from Zwierzyniec] (1881), Wesele góralskie [Highland Wedding] (1871), Cyganie z niedźwiedziem w góralskim miasteczku [Gypsies with a Bear in a Highland Town] (1876). Hipolit Lipiński also made a name for himself in Kraków's artistic life as an educator and a distinguished organiser of the National Museum.

Bożena Kasperowicz