Portrait of Ms T.

Zygmunt Waliszewski's 'Portrait of Ms T.' offers a glimpse into the early career of an artist deeply engaged with the avant-garde movements of his time. Painted in 1920, this work comes from a pivotal period when Waliszewski, having fought in World War I and been inspired by Russian Futurists in Tbilisi, was about to move to Poland and begin formal studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. His early exposure to avant-garde circles, where he participated in exhibitions and a prolific Futurist group, undoubtedly shaped his approach to portraiture. While specific details about 'Ms T.' are not known, the painting reflects an artist in transition, synthesizing his diverse influences before he would fully immerse himself in the Kapist movement in Paris and later return to Poland to engage with Formism. Waliszewski was known for painting primarily portraits and figural compositions, and this piece stands as an early example of his exploration of the human form.