Letter to Maria Mickiewiczówna with a drawing [self-portrait of the artist bathing in the 1927

Editor: Here we have Tadeusz Makowski's "Letter to Maria Mickiewiczówna with a drawing [self-portrait of the artist bathing in the sea]" from 1927, a watercolour drawing. It has a wonderfully breezy and carefree mood. The visible, rapid strokes suggest spontaneity. What stands out to you in terms of its composition? Curator: Immediately, the interplay between line and colour arrests the eye. Observe how the sinuous lines define the waves, almost vibrating with energy, while the washes of watercolor establish the planes. Do you notice how the composition divides itself into distinct, almost theatrical zones, each with its own unique treatment? Editor: Yes, there's the figure in the foreground, the implied horizon with the ship, and then the curious arrangement of what seems to be artistic tools on the beach. It’s like three scenes layered on top of each other. Why do you call them “theatrical”? Curator: The disposition of elements creates a kind of proscenium. The self-portrait, bathed in the aquatic environment, is positioned as the main protagonist, against the backdrop of receding space. Consider the function of these visual planes: do they interact harmoniously, or do they disrupt our reading of space? Editor: They disrupt! The scale feels off, especially with the art equipment pushed so far forward and seeming to float, unmoored from a clear perspectival structure. The lines and shading beneath seem unconnected to any solid object. It challenges a conventional sense of depth. Curator: Precisely. Note, too, how the restrained palette reinforces this effect. The muted tones and translucent washes negate a tactile rendering of the scene, instead prioritizing the visual impression—almost dissolving the represented objects. It's the orchestration of these formal elements that yields the painting's meaning. Editor: I see that now – the deliberately ambiguous space emphasizes the pure visual experience rather than any narrative. Thank you. It highlights how paying close attention to composition reveals the artist's intentions. Curator: Indeed. A renewed focus on visual relationships lets us appreciate the innovative approach Makowski uses within this work.