Oskara Molla „Widok na Międzygórze”
Oskar Moll's "View of Międzygórze"

Summary/Abstract: In spite of the expiry of over six decades from the last war, in spite of the damage which touched the Silesian art for that cause, still happily, albeit unexpectedly, are looming from darkness of the oblivion works important, sometimes outstanding. In the previous year I wrote about post-war fate of Percival and Grail Castle – of symbolist Hermann Hendrich’s brush – picture painted for the ‘Sagenhalle’ in Szklarska Poręba. In the beginning of this year in Wrocław collector’s circle there appeared a scheming, not-signed, preserved in an intact state, Fauvist view of a mountain town. Formal and comparative painting’s analyses lead to ambiguous conclusions. With respect to colour, composition and technique, the picture is fully identifying itself with Oscar Moll’s painting, especially with his output from years 1918 – 1920. The gouache is showing an extensive landscape of Międzygórze, seen from above, where the artist spent holidays in his own summer house. This outstanding author imprinted the mark of his personality not only on the artistic life of Wrocław, but much more widely – on the interwar German painting. Subtle intellectual, because of numerous travels liberal towards other cultures, recognizing the precursor significance of the contemporary French painting, Matisse’s friend and apologist, was entirely open to new streams and artistic achievements. His activity while holding the office of the director, led to the bloom of the academy in Wrocław which became then one of the best artistic colleges in Germany. After the takeover by the Nazis Oscar Moll’s art was regarded as degenerate, whereas the artist was banned from painting and exhibiting.

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