1900-1902
gelatin silver print, silver chlorobromide paper, 20.2 x 15 cm,
annotation in pencil on the reverse: "Woda koło Tatarów pod Gubałówką",
vintage print

The work shows an early, extremely rare, landscape photograph by Witkacy. It is estimated that the print dates back to 1900-1902. Extremely few works of the type have survived until present day.
They can hardly be found in museum collections.
The picture represents the early period in Witkacy`s work, dating back to his fascination with oil landscape paintings. The love of landscape was instilled in Witkacy by his father, who would stress the huge importance of spiritual communion with nature.
Witkacy`s early photographs allowed him to explore the mysteries of landscape, and helped him paint from nature. They evidence the artist`s excellent skill in framing scenes. Witkacy had a gift for making single photographs, not requiring additional efforts and repetitions.
In addition to having clear painting-like qualities, often his photographic works had an air of terror and tension. The work dates back to a very important period in the artist`s work and makes
a valuable museum piece.