Juliusz Kossak

Mr. R. Bakalorczky
Acquired from the above in 1970

Paper has been laid down on a slightly smaller card which itself is laid down on a cardboard backing. Old adhesive paper remnants surround the margins of the paper but does not affect the image. Paper is time darkened.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Juliusz Kossak, patriarch of an important family of Polish artists (his son, Wojciech and grandson Jerzy were also well known painters), was a celebrated watercolorist of equestrian, hunting, and military subjects influenced by his time in the National Guards and study under Emile Jean-Horace Horace Vernet in Paris. From 1862-1868, Kossak served as chief designer of the weekly Warsaw Tygodnik Illustrowany (Illustrated Weekly) where he further developed his technique. Kossak's talent in capturing the heroic stature of important historical figures is evident in the present watercolor depicting Prince Jozef Poniatowski (1763-1813). Austrian by birth, Poniatowski was the son of Andrzej Poniatowski, the brother of the king of Poland Stanislaw August Poniatowski, and achieved legendary status for his decades defending Poland's borders against Russia's attempted invasions, as well as his valiant campaigns with Napoleon Bonparte in 1812-1813. Poniatowski remained a popular and symbolic figure for Poles throughout the nineteenth century and was one of Kossak's favorite subjects.