Leon Levkovich (1888 Rawa Mazowiecka - 1950 Chimkent/Kazakhstan), Gypsy couple, 1930.

oil, canvas, 119 × 90 cm
Dated p. d.: "Leon Lewkowicz - 30"

"There in Kowaniec, in this blessed corner of the earth, full of forests and meadows, girded by the silver ribbon of the Dunajec River, spends not only the summer, but also a large part of the winter Mr. Leon Lewkowicz, a well-known artist-painter from Cracow. In front of the house where he lives there are usually a few gypsy children waiting for him, he is often visited by old gypsy women, and gypsies also visit him, not only to pose for paintings, but also to have a little chat with the painter. During non-working hours - and these hours are relatively plentiful, as every Krakowian is under Mr. Lewkowicz's care - the artist can be seen surrounded by children. For Lewkowicz knows how to play with children like a child, and he seems to be a volleyball champion.
I cite these details to find a way to feel and overcome Levkovich's art. His paintings breathe with the aroma of Kowaniec. This artist with a child's soul always full of enthusiasm, praying at the sight of beauty, is not overburdened with the ballast of analysis. He does not look for problems, but simply knows how to impose his vision of beauty on us. He finds this beauty in the life-damaged face of an ailing child. Full of the deepest compassion and a kind of quiet kindness, he leans over the misfortune of man and is able to spell the curse haunting people in his paintings." ("Nowy Dziennik," 28.04.1932, no. 115, p. 7)