Wolf-attacked Postage Sleigh Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski

Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski’s painting Postal Sleigh Attacked by Wolves was acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts in 1913 from the estate of Count Dénes Andrássy de Csíkszentkirály et Krasznahorka. Kowalski’s presence in the count’s picture gallery was no coincidence, as he was one of the most important Polish artists of his time. He became particularly popular for his winter landscapes of his native country, although he lived most of his life in Munich, where one of his masters had been Sándor Wagner. Kowalski’s paintings are characterised by dynamic compositions, often featuring hunting or equestrian scenes. His works were often reproduced on contemporary postcards.
In the Budapest painting, the scene is depicted with intense drama: the tension in the muscles of the terrified galloping horses is palpable, their tongues are hanging out of their mouths, and the driver of the sleigh is desperately trying to take aim at the wolves with his gun. The wolves are not the only danger, however, as a snowstorm is gathering ominously in the background.

Bianka Izsák-Boda