Jerzy DUDA-GRACZ (1941 Częstochowa - 2004 Łagów), Image 2775 (Przycłapy - September), 2002

oil, panel; 66 x 79 cm. in st. p-p;
signed, dated and artist's description l. d.: DUDA - GRACZ - 2775/2002 -.
On the back of the author's sticker with a description of the work: DUDA-GRACZ / TITLE OBRAZ 2775 (PRZYCŁAPY / - WRZESIEŃ) TECHNIQUE oil / DIMENSIONS 70 x 80 YEAR 2002 / NOTES.

Provenance:
private collection, Poland

Bibliography:
Jerzy Duda-Gracz. Painting and Graphics, Nowa Huta Cultural Center, Cracow 2019.

[...] Fortunately, there are still peripheral Polish hinterlands, where it is quiet, beautiful, peaceful and far from the hustle and bustle and madness of "very important everyday matters." There are skies, clouds, rains, snows, fogs, sunrises and sunsets, meadows, fields, grasses, trees, gardens, streams, ponds and byways, old cottages, crooked houses and mossy fences."
Jerzy Duda-Gracz

In the foreground - subtly painted field flowers built on a clear patch of color. In the distance - a slightly blurred rural landscape, dotted with strips of meadows and farmland. An overcast, grayed sky completes the whole composition. A muted color palette, characteristic of the painter, adds a touch of melancholy. This exceptionally decorative painting by Jerzy Duda-Gracz was created in the mature period of his career. Przycłapy is a small village in Lodz province. Its name appears in the artist's series "To Chopin - Duda-Gracz." While the artist's work was largely steeped in realism, a kind of commentary on Polish customs or history, what draws attention in the landscape motifs is the sensitivity to color, harmony and tranquility captured in the composition of the painting. The intimate mood of these works is astonishing. The painter immortalized views from Brzegi, Porąbka or Łagów, among others. The offered painting belongs to the classical landscape - it is devoid of literary references or symbolism.
A year before the creation of the work in question, the painter completed the monumental series "Golgotha of Jasna Gora", for which he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Rebirth of Poland. In 2001, there was also an exhibition "Jerzy Duda-Gracz - Spring" at the Presidential Palace.