Jan Styka (1858- 1925), The Fall of Troy (drawing 1878)

Carbon, graphite, Dimensions: 33 x 47 cm. Dimensions with frame: 55 x 68 cm. Signed P.d. J.Styka 1878

Extremely detailed graphite drawing. Signed and dated 1878 Painter and poet, author of religious and historical paintings, portraits and illustrations to literary works, and above all, originator and co-creator of several monumental-sized painting panoramas, including "Panorama Raclawicka". Styka was the son of a Czech, an Austrian officer. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, later in Rome, Paris, Krakow (under Jan Matejko). After his studies he settled in Lviv, where he had a studio. From 1888-1890 he lived in Kielce in a palace on Karsch Hill. From 1900 he settled in Paris, and from 1910 in Italy (on the island of Capri). Together with the Polish pilgrimage, he was in audience with the Pope on April 11, Holy Saturday. On the morning of April 28, 1925, he was found dead in bed. Together with Wojciech Kossak, he co-authored Battle of Racławice.