Michel De Tarnowsky, artist and sculptor.
Michel De Tarnowsky: an artist and sculptor.
Michel De Tarnowsky (1870 – 1946) was a renowned French sculptor, whose family history, artistic career and contributions to the city of Nice deserve to be highlighted. Born into a family of Polish origin, his rise in the art world made him an important figure in Nice’s cultural landscape.
Family history and emigration to Nice.
The De Tarnowsky family has its origins in the Polish nobility, with a line going back to the knights of the Middle Ages. However, towards the end of the 19th century, due to the political and social upheavals in Poland, the family decided to emigrate. Their motives were linked to the instability of the region and the search for opportunities in more peaceful climes. Like many other families of the time, they chose France, renowned for its cultural influence and political stability.
So it was that the family settled in Nice at the end of the 19th century, at a time when the city was still developing and attracting artists and intellectuals. With its Mediterranean climate and rich cultural scene, Nice offered an ideal setting for creative activity. For the De Tarnowsky family, this emigration marked the beginning of a new era. Michel De Tarnowsky, still a child at the time of their move, was soon to emerge as one of the leading artists of his generation.
Michel De Tarnowsky’s career.
From an early age, Michel De Tarnowsky showed exceptional talent for the arts. He began his classical training at various academies in France, before specializing in sculpture. His style combined the finesse of academic realism with more personal touches, marked by a keen sense of detail and a passion for human representation.
During his career, De Tarnowsky quickly made a name for himself with his work on busts and public monuments. He was particularly influenced by the artistic movements of the late 19th, i.e. Post-Impressionism, and the early 20th century, notably Art Nouveau, which permeated many aspects of visual culture in Europe at the time. His reputation grew, not only in France, but also abroad, thanks to his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
Among his most notable works are several busts of intellectuals and historical figures, as well as public statues erected in Nice and several other French cities. His work is characterized by a great sensitivity to texture and form, and a particular attention to human expression. He was entrusted with the creation of statues to adorn the entrance to the Negresco, for example.
Over the years, his work was crowned with a number of distinctions. He won medals at prestigious art fairs such as the Salon des Artistes Français, where he exhibited several times. His work was praised for its balance between tradition and innovation, while retaining a strong personal touch. His work is varied, consisting mainly of sculpture and bronzes, but also drawings, watercolors, pastels and oil paintings.
Michel De Tarnowsky, a complete artist.
As Michel de Tarnowsky’s sculptures are already widely exhibited in museums, especially in Nice, I’d like to focus in this report on the other, lesser-known part of his work, but just as important in my opinion – I’m talking about his drawings, for example. As a friend of the De Tarnoswky family, and in particular of his daughter, I was asked to photograph all his known work in the 2000s, and I have to say that what struck me was the extraordinary sensitivity and skill of his pencil stroke. It goes without saying that the starting point for a successful sculpture is always the drawing, and that’s why sculptors are excellent draughtsmen. But in Michel De Tarnowsky’s case, he goes beyond this stage. His remarkable work deserves to be highlighted, and that’s precisely what follows.
a). Drawings .
Michel de Tarnowsky’s drawings reveal a deep understanding of human anatomy and proportion, which can be attributed to his classical training in sculpture. He often worked in ink, charcoal or pencil, mediums he used to create preparatory sketches for his sculptures, but also to produce independent works. His drawings focus mainly on studies of bodies, faces and hands, revealing a meticulous attention to detail and a sensitivity to the human form. Tarnowsky’s lines are fluid, soft and precise, conveying a certain elegance in simplicity. He was able to capture movement and expression with a minimum of strokes, demonstrating a mastery of technique that enabled him to convey the full emotional depth of his subjects.
b). Paintings, watercolors and pastels .
As a painter, Michel De Tarnowsky explored a broader palette, both in his choice of subjects and in his use of color. His paintings, though fewer in number than his sculptures, reveal an inclination for classical and mythological scenes. However, he was also interested in portraits and landscapes, always striving to represent beauty and harmony in his compositions. His canvases are characterized by pastel tones, subtle shading and soft light, creating soothing atmospheres.
The influence of the great Renaissance masters is visible in his approach to the human figure, particularly in his attention to composition and proportion. However, Tarnowsky was not content to imitate his predecessors: he also experimented with modernist elements, incorporating touches of movement and spontaneity more characteristic of the early 20th century. His ability to balance tradition and innovation testifies to his talent for navigating between classic and contemporary styles.
c). A versatile artist .
Michel de Tarnowsky, although best known as a sculptor, left his mark on his era through the diversity of his work. His drawings, often used as preparatory studies for his sculptures, show an expert hand and an intimate understanding of the human form. His paintings, rarer but equally evocative, complete this portrait of an artist both classic in training and modern in spirit.
Michel De Tarnowsky integrated his family heritage and European influences to become a respected artist. His contributions to the city of Nice, through monuments and public sculptures, can still be seen today and testify to his importance in the region’s artistic and cultural development. Michel De Tarnowsky’s work, in both drawings and paintings, offers a striking testimony to human beauty and emotion.
Nice (France) – September 2024
