The Slaves (The Scene from the Life in Rome)

Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi was an artist who worked in the fields of monumental, monumental-decorative, and easel painting. He was a prominent representative of academicism and symbolism in painting. 

Summary of Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi

The artist is well-known for his contributions, particularly his work on the murals of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv from 1886 to 1896. Kotarbinskyi’s art also includes the decoration of numerous palaces, many of which now house prominent Ukrainian museums.

Biography of Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi

The artist was born in 1848 in Nieborów (now in Poland). From an early age, he recognized his destiny, ultimately becoming an unparalleled master of his unique and vibrant style. After finishing high school in Warsaw, he studied at the Warsaw Drawing Classes from 1866 to 1869. Although he enrolled at the University of Warsaw, he did not complete his studies there.

In 1871, he entered the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, where he studied under Francesco Podesti and graduated in 1875 with a gold medal.

In 1885, Professor Adrian Prakhov, who was overseeing the interior decoration of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral, invited Kotarbinskyi to join the cathedral's mural project. From 1886 to 1896, he worked on these murals. Along with Pavlo Svedomskyi, he completed 18 large paintings and 84 individual figures.

After completing the cathedral murals, he continued to work in the field of monumental painting. The artist also took commissions from wealthy Moscow patrons and created religious images for churches in Belarus. In 1890, he became a member of the Southern Russian Artists' Union and was actively involved in Kyiv's cultural life. 

The artist spent his last years in Kyiv and passed away in 1921. After his death, Kotarbinskyi’s paintings are held in various institutions, including the Nykanor Onatskyi Regional Art Museum in Sumy. 

Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi’s Famous Paintings: Exploring Iconic Masterpieces

The foundation of the artwork of Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi often lies in mythological, historical, and religious (biblical) themes. Many of his paintings feature a mystical essence and fantastical elements. His subjects frequently include nymphs, mermaids, angels descended to earth, or strikingly beautiful women with languid gazes and noble postures. His vivid imagination envelops these figures in enchanting, dreamlike landscapes.

Among his famous works are “The Grave of a Suicide Victim” (1901), “The Tornado (Angel with a Raised Sword)” (1900s), “The Battle in the Air (Demon and Tamara)” (1900s), “The Twilight” (1900s), and many more. Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi’s paintings for sale are available at auction on the UFDA website. 

Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi’s Art Style

Kotarbinskyi created numerous philosophical and fantastical canvases, masterfully blending elements of Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and his distinctive personal style. During World War I, he transformed some of his paintings into postcards, which were sold to support soldiers' families. He also designed posters encouraging donations to aid victims of the Polish occupation. Unfortunately, many of Wilhelm Kotarbinskyi’s original paintings have been lost or destroyed, surviving only as postcards.