Wojciech WEISS (1875-1950), Lilacs in a vase, ca. 1900

Pastel, ribbed paper; 53.5 x 43.5 cm (light frame);
Signed l. d.: WW (in pencil);
On the reverse, oval stamp with inscription around: FROM THE COLLECTION OF WORKS BY WOJCIECH WEISS. THE ARTIST'S HOUSE with facsimile of the artist in the middle; below, No. 225.

The calmness of the composition, the tranquility and palpable reverie of this work are perfectly in keeping with the decadent mood of the end of the century. The artist used a sfumato effect here, blurring the contours and creating smooth transitions between the different plans. One can sense the nostalgia so typical of the works of the Symbolists of the period. Looking at this bouquet of flowers, the question arises whether it has some deeper symbolic dimension. The artists of Young Poland always tried to suggest in their works a deeper hidden content, accessible only to the initiated. As we know, lilac flowers symbolize youthful love and subtlety of feeling. Perhaps, the artist included some autobiographical element in this work.
Looking at the pastel, it is worth noting the composition, which, despite the muted colors, has a certain feature of Japanese art, which was used by many artists. Well, the line of the edge of the table is shaped diagonally - innovative for those times. At this point it would be appropriate to mention the exhibition at the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology showing the inspiration of Far Eastern art in Weiss' work and the numerous pastels presented there.