10. Unknown author, 'Strzecha Akademicka’, 1934

Unknown author, 'Strzecha Akademicka’, 1934

Oil on fibreboard, 59 × 78.5/77 × 96 cm.

Signature in the lower right corner: Paul Baltin (?) / 34

Condition: paint abrasions in the sky area; pinpoint marks visible on the surface.

Description:

This is the work of a skilled yet little-known artist who was active in the Karkonosze region. Based on comparisons with two paintings held in the collection of the Karkonosze Museum in Jelenia Góra (MJG AH 6538, 7867), the signature has been interpreted as Paul Baltin (?). The painting depicts Strzecha Akademicka, a mountain shelter in the Karkonosze Mountains.

In the foreground, there is a mountain slope covered with grass in its lower part, with three boulders resting on it. Higher up stand dark green spruces. The centre of the composition features the shelter building with two haystacks in front of it. To the left, a marked path leads towards the building along which a tourist is walking uphill. In the distance on the far left, a misty view opens onto the lands situated at the foot of the mountains. The painting has a summer colour scheme dominated by light green grass and blue sky, with delicate white clouds for accent.

The paint layer is thin and smoothly applied.

Signature in the lower right corner: Paul Baltin 34.