Maja (Maria) Berezowska (Baranovichi, 1898 – 1978, Warsaw)- Self-Portrait(?) CENTRAL OFFICE OF ART EXHIBITIONS, ANDRZEJ CZERNIK COLLECTION, PORTRAIT DRAWING

Drawing and Watercolor on Cardboard
8.6 cm x 7 cm,
Frame 13 cm x 9.8 cm.
Maja Berezowska (1893–1978), “Portrait of a Woman”—presumed self-portrait, 20th century
A miniature portrait of a woman executed in pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor on cardboard. The work is in a vertical oval format and mounted under glass. Signed in the lower left corner of the composition; “Maja Berezowska”—the signature is partially obscured by the edge of the frame.
The woman is shown in a frontal view, in a tight frame encompassing her head, neck, and upper arms. Her face features a high forehead, distinctly defined brow ridges, large blue eyes, and full lips. Her hair is combed upward and partially pinned back. On either side of the head, loose patches of blue, purple, and gray are visible, presumably depicting elements of a headdress, ribbons, or decorative fabric. The shoulders are covered with a light-colored garment of a soft, fluffy texture.
The drawing is executed with fine, repeatedly drawn lines, complemented by delicate watercolor glazes. Parts of the face are rendered in shades of ochre, pink, and brown, while the eyes and the area around the head are accented with a cool blue. The work is an intimate physiognomic study, devoid of an elaborate background or narrative elements.
The presence of a signature in the lower left corner reinforces the attribution of the work to Maja Berezowska. It is highly likely that the depiction is a self-portrait. The high forehead, expressive eyes, the shape of the face, and the way the hair is styled bear a resemblance to surviving photographs of the artist. This identification is further supported by a letter from the CBWA to Andrzej Czernik (1959) thanking him for lending the portrait of Maja Berezowska for an exhibition of her solo works.
The oval metal frame, cast and patinated to resemble old gold, is in the neoclassical style, reminiscent of the Louis XVI style. The profiled frame is decorated with bands of pearl-like ornamentation, interlacing, and stylized leaves. The finial features an openwork composition of floral garlands and crossed quivers with arrows and a burning torch, tied with a bow. The reverse is lined with decorative fabric featuring a striped, floral pattern, held in place by metal plates. There is a hanging loop at the top.
Maja Berezowska, whose real name was Maria Berezowska, was one of the most recognizable Polish draftsmen, illustrators, and caricaturists of the 20th century. She studied in St. Petersburg, Kraków, and Munich. She collaborated with the Polish and French press, created book illustrations, satirical drawings, stage designs, and theater costume designs. From 1933 to 1936, she lived in Paris, where she published in *Le Figaro*, *Le Rire*, and *Ici Paris*, among others. For her caricatures of Adolf Hitler, she was imprisoned at Pawiak during the occupation, sentenced to death, and deported to Ravensbrück. In the camp, she drew portraits of her fellow prisoners. Her work is characterized by a light, dynamic line, subtle color palette, and an interest in portraiture, femininity, theater, and social customs.
Dimensions of the artwork: 8.6 × 7 cm.
Frame dimensions: 13 × 9.8 cm.
Condition: as shown in the photos.