Size: 30 x 41 cm (sheet)
Signed on the plate p.d.: 'Walery Eljasz'
Biography
Walery Eljasz Radzikowski was a painter, draughtsman, illustrator and writer, known for popularizing Podhale and the Tatra Mountains. He was born in Krakow, where he graduated from the School of Fine Arts (1856-62), and continued his studies in Munich (1862-65) and Vienna. Radzikowski's oeuvre developed in two thematic trends - the first included historical compositions, inspired by the national past and fiction; the second trend included works inspired by the Tatra Mountains. This part of his oeuvre focused mainly on Tatra landscapes and scenes from the lives of highlanders, which contributed to the awakening of interest in the Tatras among the Polish intelligentsia. He was also the author of numerous illustrations for guidebooks and magazines, which was important for the development of tourism in the Tatra Mountains. He worked with the Tatra Society, documenting the architecture and culture of the region. In addition to his artistic activities, he was also involved in journalism and the popularization of knowledge about Podhale.
