Leopold Kowalsky (1856-1931), Preparatory Study For The Painting "summer Games" 1900

Leopold Kowalsky (1856-1931)
Drapery study, preparatory to the painting “Summer Games”, circa 1900
Graphite and watercolor highlights on blue paper
Monogrammed “LK” lower right
30 × 23 cm
Framed 40 × 30 cm

A French painter and engraver of Polish origin, Leopold Kowalsky was born in Paris in 1856. He received his initial training at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1878 in the studio of Henri Lehmann before entering the Académie Julian the following year. He exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1881 onwards, where his work was noticed. He received several awards for this work, including a bronze medal in 1884.

Inspired by his mentor, Léopold Kowalsky developed a strong interest in the female figure, which he depicted sometimes in genre scenes, particularly during outdoor activities in vibrant compositions, and sometimes through more intimate portraits of Parisian high society. He excelled in portraying the attire of elegant women with flowing drapery.

In 1912, the artist left Paris and retired to the Eure region, where he also devoted himself to painting lively landscapes of the Norman and Breton countryside in a post-Impressionist style. During the last twenty years of his life, his only models were his wife and daughter.

The drapery study of a dress that we are presenting is a preparatory study for one of the central figures in the painting Summer Games (circa 1900), whose current location remains unknown. This elegant woman, participating in an outdoor game with friends, is depicted in a summer outfit, balancing on a rope, in a pose identical to that found on our sheet.