Dziecko w pelerynce 1927

Tadeusz Makowski painted this child in a cape most likely in the 1920's with oil paint. The painting feels immediate, like a sketch, and the marks are very direct with little blending, as if he was making it up as he went along. The colors are muted, almost like faded frescoes, with a bright red cap providing a focal point. Look closely at the cape; it's built up of these long, thin strokes that radiate outwards, creating a sense of volume and movement. It’s as if each stroke is a note in a visual melody, contributing to the overall harmony. Notice how the texture of the canvas is still visible, adding to the painting's raw, honest feel. This directness gets right to the point, it's not overworked. I see echoes of folk art traditions here, that sense of simplicity. Makowski makes the ordinary feel special, you could even say iconic.