This oil gives no clues as to where the painting was executed but the Colonial-style grid windows suggest that it was set inside one of the British government houses, offices or villas which made extensive use of this style in Cyprus.
Through the windows, trees can be seen in greens and blues contrasting against a fierce red sky. Despite the intensity of the palette, the space inside the house feels calm, shaded from the heat of the day. A central figure, silhouetted against the window, sits at a table, chin resting on their hands. Backlit by the window, little of their features are clearly distinguishable except for a single green eye that looks back towards the viewer.
Zdzislaw Ruszkowski, born on July 12, 1907 in Tomaszow, Poland, showed an interest in art from an early age, likely influenced by his father – a painter, who often took him on painting expeditions. His upbringing was characterised by a deep inquisitiveness and eagerness to explore painting. This passion led him to pursue formal education in the field of fine arts at the Cracow Art Academy where he cultivated his skills under the guidance of renowned Polish artists.
In 1935, he travelled to Paris, and was heavily influences by artists such as Titian, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Rembrandt. During this time Ruszkowski began to establish his unique artistic approach of classical techniques integrated with modern tastes.
In 1939, interrupted by the outbreak of WW2, Ruszkowski joined the Polish army in France. Travelling across Europe, Ruszkowski found himself in Scotland, where he met and married his wife, Jennifer McCormack. The McCormack family was living in Cyprus in the 1950’s and in 1955, Ruskowski visited Cyprus and produced a number of works.
PNT-00462 > Zdizislaw Ruskowski (1907-1991), Cyprus Window, oil on canvas, 100 x 70 cm, 1953.
