Children in a village backyard 1926

Tadeusz Makowski's painting gives us a glimpse of children in a village backyard, laid down with what looks like oil, or maybe tempera paint. I can imagine him trying to capture a scene from a dream. The paint is applied thinly, almost like a wash, giving the whole scene a hazy, dreamlike quality. The palette is earthy, with browns, greens, and muted blues dominating the scene. But there is also a touch of playfulness here – the artist's mark-making is loose and sketchy, and the children appear with soft features. The scene is populated by a group of children, all of whom seem to be engaged in some mysterious activity. The one holding the cat looks like she is on a stage and aware of us, the viewers. You can see the traces of adjustment, evidence of the artist reconsidering and reworking the composition. Makowski, like many artists, seems to be in dialogue with other painters, drawing inspiration from earlier movements and adding their own unique vision. Each painting becomes a part of this ongoing exchange, influencing and inspiring future generations of artists.