Jan Korwin Kochanowski (1897-1970) - 1943 Charcoal Drawing Captain Srokowski

Description

A charcoal portrait of Captain Srokowski completed during WWII. Kochanowski has used quick and expressive marks to capture the gentleman's' composed and slightly weathered expression. Inscribed on the reverse with the sitters name, written in Polish. Part of the inscription is slightly illegible, although 'Hospital No.4' can be made out. The date and location '1943, Mosul, Iraq' are also given on the reverse. Kochanowski was based there during his career in the army, and it is possible the artist made a quick sketch of his friend during a stay in an army hospital. Signed. On wove.

Condition

Areas of minor discolouration and very minor foxing. Otherwise in fine condition.

Size

34.1 x 26.6cm (13.4" x 10.5")
Sheet: 36.8 x 27.9cm (14.5" x 11")

Collection Information

From a collection of charcoal drawings and prints from Polish/Russian artist Jan Korwin Kochanowski (1897-1970).

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Artist Biography

Jan Korwin-Kochanowski was born of Polish parents in Odessa, Russia on the 26th June 1897. His father and brother died at the hands of the revolutionaries in 1918. He himself was tortured but managed to escape to Poland where he continued his study of medicine and graduated from Warsaw University in 1924. After this he studied radiology and pathology in Berlin and then returned to Poland. On the outbreak of the Second World War when he joined the army. With his compatriots he survived the horros of Russia as a prisoner of war, then he went to Palestine, Egypt, Italy and France in the Polish Army. In Italy he was chief advisor to the Polish Army in radiology and many of us remember his kindness and help to his British allies during this time. His cosmopolitan outlook and his gift for languages - he spoke seven fluently - made him an invaluable link between the Polish and the British forces. After demobilisation he was appointed Radiologist at Southlands hospital, Shoreham by Sea where he worked for nearly 20 years. He became a naturalised British subject in 1949. Kochanowski was a member of the Sussex County Arts Club, his work has always represented and was the centre of interest at all the Arts Club exhibitions. His portraits captured the personality, radiating life and his landscapes were a sheer delight.