Jerzy Mierzejewski (1917 - 2012) Under the Bridge (Canal), 1980s oil/canvas, 115 x 147 cm == sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man ID: 161099 Taxes and fees - In addition to the hammer price, the successful bidder agrees to pay us a buyer's premium on the hammer prices of each lot sold. On all lots we charge 20 % of the hammer price. Condition report work framed More information The theme of the landscape appeared in Jerzy Mierzejewski's works at an early stage in his work. Initially, they were deserted, sterile landscapes of Bukowina Tatrzańska until the 1970s, when the artist began documenting memories of European travels to the Netherlands or south of Europe. Then he began to paint gardens, bays and parks, as illustrated by the work presented under the bridge (Kanał). The dominant feature of the composition is staticity and reduction of means of expression. Mierzejewski, focusing on the structure of the image and relations between different forms, precisely shaped the space. It used a limited colour palette while stressing the importance of three color properties: quality, brightness and saturation. Appropriate balance of these parameters allowed him to achieve harmony of composition in accordance with the laws of the natural world. As he mentioned in numerous notes from European travels, he was particularly inspired by the works of Ingres, Mantegna, Fra Angelico and La Toura. As a result, based on the assumptions of classical art, its landscapes gained a contemplative, metaphysical character, prompting the audience to reflect on each individual element of the composition. Although from today's perspective Jerzy Mierzejewski's work seems to be both individualized and timeless, the artist has repeatedly faced the disadvantage of critics. The artist replied to the allegations of lack of interest in the avant-garde assumptions at the time: I'm stuck in painting, which is the result of direct continuity since the Rebirth era. I am the painter concerned. (...) Painting is about moving states that invisible systems can maximize, nothing more. (...) It is about metaphysical thrill. Maciej Mazurek, I am a painter in this conversation with Professor Jerzy Mierzejewski, [in:] Jerzy Mierzejevski. Academic books, Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, No. 1/2008, Warsaw 2008, p. 12, 14.