Teodor Axentowicz (1859 Brașov, Romania – 1938 Kraków), *The Pensive Woman*, 1904

pastel on paper, 56.5 x 70.5 cm (as framed)
signed and dated lower left: "T. Axentowicz 04"

“Axentowicz.” This surname seems to be a label of beauty, evoking the subtle harmony of pastel colors. A major figure in the history of Polish art. […] Axentowicz’s airy pastel strokes selected from the model only what was beautiful and distinctive, melting away negative features into a delicate shadow. And between the figure and the viewer, it always seemed to suspend an ethereal veil of sentiment.”
M. Janoszanka, “Memories of Axentowicz,” *Kultura: A Literary, Artistic, and Social Weekly*, 1938, no. 37, p. 7.


“Axentowicz’s true passion as a painter was the pastel portrait; it was in this technique that he became a true perfectionist. He most enjoyed drawing women full of grace and beauty—beautiful ladies without a smile.”
S. Krzysztofowicz-Kozakowska, “The Oeuvre of Teodor Axentowicz,” [in:] “Teodor Axentowicz 1859–1938” [exhibition catalog], Kraków 1998, pp. 12–13.