Marian Mokwa (1889 Malary - 1987 Sopot), Boats, 1940

pencil, watercolor, gouache, paper, 22 × 22 cm (light passe-partout)
signed and dated in pencil p. d.: "Mokwa 1940"

on the back a sticker of Louis Schröder's pre-war antique shop at 3 Kaletnicza Street in Gdansk: Louis Schröder | Kunsthandlung u. Glaserei | Danzig | Gr. Scharmachergasse Nr 3 | gegenüber Potrykus & Fuchs

About his love for the sea and his vow to devote his talent to marine art, Mokwa recalled years later: "You know, the open, high seas have always made a powerful impression on me. Standing face to face with the elements, I had the feeling that I was standing before the face of God himself. It was then, during the battle, that I understood that my fate, the fate of Poland and the sea are inextricably linked. "If Poland is reborn, then I will devote all my talent, all my thoughts, all my soul and all my life to the sea. So help me, God almighty."
(Marian Mokwa [in:] K.Wójcicki, "Conversations with Mokwa," Gdynia 1997, p. 73.)