Caption

The Return of Tobias, Jan Rembowski (1879–1923). Tobias and the Angel, allegory. The artist admired Jacek Malczewski and adopted similar themes, introducing Tobias and the angel. Rembowski, a patriotic figure who longed to fight for Poland’s independence but was prevented by illness, expressed this longing in his work. Wartime allusions and patriotic atmosphere appear in elements such as the greatcoat draped over the shoulders of a kneeling old man and the cap of young Tobias standing among children—possibly referencing the Lviv Eaglets. In a letter Rembowski envisioned a liberated Poland; the rainbow-winged, luminous angel from the “Polish fields” may symbolize Poland. The figure of the angel appears in his earlier works. 1919; pastel; 70.7 × 99.5 cm.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A39_482

License type

Rights managed

Available size

48.5Mb (10.0Mb) / 16.2in x 11.7in / 4854 x 3495 (300dpi)

Keywords

Return Tobias Jan Rembowski 1879–1923 Angel allegory artist admired Jacek Malczewski adopted themes introducing Tobias angel Rembowski patriotic figure longed fight Poland’s independence was prevented illness expressed longing work Wartime allusions patriotic atmosphere elements greatcoat draped shoulders kneeling old man cap young Tobias standing children referencing Lviv Eaglets letter Rembowski envisioned liberated Poland rainbow-winged luminous angel “Polish fields” symbolize Poland figure earlier works 1919 pastel large winged pale green yellow skin stands center wings spread wide shades yellow orange purple blue circular halo bands white green head figure wears patterned green sash reaches arm kneeling older man pale skin white beard clasps hands looks upward young woman greenish dress stands hand shoulder left winged figure group young person muted greens blues purples pinks stand close together touching another wearing coats boots simple garments teal aqua lavender gray child lighter clothing stands nearest central figure ground beneath them rocky rounded stones low plants rendered deep background filled dark blue green tones framed narrow wood-colored border.