Woman with Jar 1936

Mikuláš Galanda painted 'Woman with Jar' with oil on canvas using a muted palette to create a scene that feels timeless. The painting's surface is smooth, but you can see the subtle brushstrokes, little clues to Galanda’s process. It's as if he’s inviting us to witness the act of creation. The jar in the foreground is painted in soft grays, a play of light and shadow giving it volume and weight. It’s so present, that it almost feels like a portrait. This grey then echoes in the background, forming both hills and clouds, as well as the water being poured. The subtle shifts in tone create a sense of depth. I love the connection between object and body, everyday and eternal. Galanda was interested in modernism, but also in folk art, so in a way, I see a conversation with artists like Cézanne, who similarly explored the relationship between form and perception. Ultimately, this painting is a reminder that art is about seeing and feeling. It’s a way of making sense of the world.