Author: Alfons Karny (1901, Białystok – 1989, Warsaw)
Cast, cement, iron filings
Sculpture stands on a triple square base
The property of Danuta Wróblewska and successors
Deposit at the Dom Pracy Twórczej in Radziejowice since (left along with other sculpture of the artist after the exhibition of Alfons Karny’s work in Radziejowice, 2008)
The naked silhouette of a young and diminutive girl was depicted as a whole figure standing on her tiptoes on the slightly bent legs, with the body leaning forward and arms bent at the elbows holding an invisible skipping rope. Small head is set on a long neck. The delicate face with smoothed cheeks, small lips and a little nose is framed by sweptback wavy hair falling on the left shoulder. This effortless slight movement was masterfully captured in the moment of the body ready to jump. Half-closed eyes suggest focus on the action. Ethereal charm and the vulnerable fragility of a girl’s body contrast with a strong, cold smooth material.
Referring to the tradition of Greek sculpture, “Skakanka”, in the earliest versions shown with the whirling rope held in clenched hands, was Karny’s most recognisable work before the World War II. The artist was awarded for the sculpture and received first prize on the exhibition Sport in art in the Instytut Propagandy Sztuki in 1931 r. One version from the bronze, in 1936, was made a travelling trophy for the best athlete of the year. However, the first bronze cast in 1930, was a decoration at the bar of the deck of M. S. Piłsudski and sank with the ship. In 1938, Karny made a third bronze cast and a bigger version, cast in English cement for outdoor display, which was placed on the grounds of The University of Physical Education in Warsaw.
Text: Elżbieta Charazińska
Editing: Beata Fiugajska
Photo: Piotr Ligier