Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski (1849 Suwalki - 1915 Munich), Rescue, after 1900

oil, canvas, 89 × 110 cm
on the reverse of the inscription in paint on canvas: "alf/No 21".

Attached to the painting is an expert's report by Adam Konopacki dated 20.02.2022.

"Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski was an avid hunter, constantly communing with nature since childhood. He made animals for his needs dangerous beasts. At the same time, he recognized and appreciated their strength, determination and intelligence as worthy opponents of man in the struggle for life."
E. Ptaszyńska, "Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski 1849-1915", Warsaw 2011, p. 132.

Wierusz-Kowalski, well versed in hunting arcana, was fond of painting hunting scenes. He repeated the theme of horseback hunting with greyhounds in various variations and takes. The action of the presented painting takes place in winter, which gave the artist the opportunity to use striking color solutions. The artist's mastery can be seen in the rapid movement of the rider, horses, dogs. The painting - a bravura painting sketch - is part of a group of several similar scenes with horse hunters. "Having worked out a technique that suited the genre, the artist was able to let his imagination run wild and pour his love for his native country and its nature onto the canvas, immortalizing joyful and dramatic scenes, wedding processions, hunters going hunting."
H.-P. Buhler, "Jozef Brandt, Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski and Others. The Polish Munich School," Warsaw 1998, p. 54.