Mikhail Gorstkin-Wywiórski (1861 Warsaw - 1926 Berlin), In the harbor

oil, cardboard, 48 × 66 cm light frame
signed l. d: "M. G. Wywiórski".

Two stylistic periods can be distinguished in Gorstkin-Wywiórski's work. The first with clear influences from the works of Jozef Brandt and Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski, whose studios the artist attended during his studies in Munich. During this time, he created compositions inspired by eastern travels to the Crimea and the Caucasus, among other places. The fruit of these numerous voyages were genre scenes, depicting locals, Tatars, Cossacks or Cherkists. Gradually, these paintings began to replace exclusively landscape compositions in character. The creative output of Mikhail Gorstkin-Wywiórski testifies to his strong sensitivity that translates into an excellent perception of the surrounding reality. "...The painting of M. G. Wywiórski is a resultant of accurate observation, technical prowess, developed formal solutions and salon elegance. (...) Wywiórski was definitely a naturalist painter, who only occasionally allowed himself formal experiments. He was disciplined and did not improvise. (...) He held nature in high esteem. He used color with connoisseurship and taste, and avoided contrasts." ("Towards the Sea with the Flow of Rivers. Mikhail Gorstkin Wywiórski", catalog of the third exhibition of the series "Polish artists about the sea", Gdansk 2005, p. 14).