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Student Artwork Guide

Cacti in Palermo

Name Class Date

Kazimierz Stabrowski, Cacti in Palermo (1900), Lithuanian Art Fund. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Kazimierz Stabrowski originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/kazimierz-stabrowski/
Artist’s dates
1869 – 1929
Painted
1900
Held at
Lithuanian Art Fund originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/lithuanian-art-fund-vilnius/

In context

Cacti in Palermo — Kazimierz Stabrowski

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 60 at death.

Painted when the artist was 31. The artist lived to 60. 2 of the 28 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Kazimierz Stabrowski (1869–1929) ▲ this work, 1900 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1900 Main working years: 1900–1913 Late works: from 1913

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Gray #6d7071

    Catalogued palette

    • #6D7071
    • #515149
    • #2D2D2A
    • #BAB0A7

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Main colour name
    Gray
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Kazimierz Stabrowski over the last twelve months — 2 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 91.7%1,100 visits
    2. 2 United States of America 8.3%100 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 11 most looked-at works by Kazimierz Stabrowski

    1. 1 Daturas, 1900 16.7%200 visits
    2. 2 Spirit of the mountains, 1927 16.7%200 visits
    3. 3 The Banana forest, from the Canary collection, 1913 8.3%100 visits
    4. 4 Rome. Fontana Dei Cavalli Marini, 1911 8.3%100 visits
    5. 5 Guanti grotto in Tenerife, from the Canary collection, 1911 8.3%100 visits
    6. 6 Rocca Imperiale town at dusk, 1900 8.3%100 visits
    7. 7 Flowers, 1800 8.3%100 visits
    8. 8 Mountain landscape, 1911 8.3%100 visits
    9. 9 Trees, 1895 8.3%100 visits
    10. 10 Colosseum in the Moonlight, 1928 8.3%100 visits
    11. — Cacti in Palermo, 1900 this painting 0.0%0 visits

    Together these works take 99.8% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 29 works by this artist, of which 10 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    About this artwork

    Cacti in Palermo — Kazimierz Stabrowski

    First and foremost, the picture captivates the eye with the black, decorative and broad-brush, immensely powerful, explosive shape of a cactus placed in a setting of subtle flowers and grasses against the backdrop of a blue sky. It is a moment captured with a degree of feeling and care, and seemingly in a single breath at the same time. The cactus is obviously a part of a larger scheme: a force that kicks everything into motion and the lovely, delicate nature, a clear expression of symbolism. Despite it being a landscape, this work is permeated with a symbolism mood, an extraordinary perspective with the shadow of a looming threat, and a very delicate primeval bloom, a fragile flutter of life.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Kazimierz Stabrowski

    Born in Novahrudok, Belarus

    early life and education

    kazimierz stabrowski, a renowned polish painter, was born in 1869 in navahroudak, belarus. he went on to study at the academy of fine arts in warsaw, where he later became the director. this pivotal role not only showcased his artistic prowess but also solidified his influence on the next generation of artists.

    artistic style and notable works

    stabrowski's work is characterized by its dreamy, symbolic quality, often blending elements of symbolism and romanticism. one of his most celebrated pieces, the snow maiden (1891), exemplifies this unique style, which has captivated art enthusiasts for over a century.

    founding the theosophical society in poland

    apart from his artistic achievements, stabrowski played a significant role in establishing the first lodges of the theosophical society in poland. this philosophical society, founded on the principles of spirituality and the occult, further underscores stabrowski's multifaceted nature.

    legacy and later life

    stabrowski passed away in 1929 in garwolin, poland, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike. his influence can be seen in various aspects of polish art, from the academy of fine arts in warsaw to his numerous symbolic and romantic pieces.

    selected works by kazimierz stabrowski on AllPaintingsStore.com

    spirit of the mountains (105 x 85 cm, lithuanian art fund, vilnius, lithuania, oil on canvas) - a quintessential example of stabrowski's symbolic style.

    colosseum in the moonlight (47 x 65 cm, lithuanian art fund, vilnius, lithuania, pastel) - this piece showcases stabrowski's ability to capture ethereal landscapes.

    trees (47 x 63 cm, lithuanian art fund, vilnius, lithuania, pastel) - a unique blend of realism and abstract imagery, characteristic of stabrowski's later work.

    museums featuring kazimierz stabrowski's work on AllPaintingsStore.com

    lithuanian art fund (vilnius, lithuania) - this institution houses several of stabrowski's notable works, including those mentioned above.

    discover more about kazimierz stabrowski and his captivating art pieces on AllPaintingsStore.com.

    Museum

    Lithuanian Art Fund

    On show in Vilnius, Lithuania

    A Sanctuary of Soulful Heritage

    Nestled within the historic heart of Vilnius, the

    Lithuanian Art Fund

    offers far more than a mere exhibition of objects; it provides an intimate portal into the very essence of Lithuania’s artistic soul. Unlike the sweeping, monumental narratives found in grand national galleries, this private collection, established by the visionary Dr. Jaunius Gumbis, invites a profound personal connection. It is a place where history does not feel like a distant memory, but a living, breathing presence. The museum serves as a delicate bridge to the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a period of unparalleled cultural flourishing where the influences of Poland, Russia, and Western Europe converged to create a unique, multifaceted identity.

    The architecture of the Lithuanian Art Fund further enhances this immersive experience. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, the museum provides a contemplative atmosphere that is rare in the modern age. The setting itself acts as a silent curator, its aged walls and quiet corners encouraging a slow, meditative approach to art appreciation. For collectors and interior designers seeking inspiration, the Fund offers a masterclass in how art can transform a space into a sanctuary of culture.

    A Tapestry of Diverse Traditions

    The collection itself is a tapestry of diverse traditions, woven with threads of folk art, sculpture, and rare literature. Visitors find themselves wandering through layers of time, encountering handcrafted treasures that whisper stories of ancient spiritual beliefs and the rhythmic pulse of daily Lithuanian life. The museum’s strength lies in its curated intimacy, prioritizing the emotional resonance of each piece over sheer volume. From the intricate patterns of traditional folk crafts to the evocative power of oil paintings, every item has been selected to foster a sense of discovery.

    Among the collection's most captivating highlights are the works that capture the shifting light and spirit of the Lithuanian landscape and its people:

    The Watercolor Landscapes of Józef Bałzukiewicz:

    These works offer a masterful glimpse into 18th-century life, where every brushstroke reconstructs the dignity of a nobleman or the quiet bustle of a street corner with historical precision.

    The Views of Helena Römer-Ochenkowska:

    Her delicate, translucent layers of Vilnius transport the viewer to the pastoral serenity of 1900.

    The Spiritual Depth of Stanislovas Grigalauskas (Daunoras):

    His hauntingly beautiful

    ‘St Peter Weeping’

    provides a profound emotive depth for those drawn to spiritual symbolism.

    The Symbolist Landscapes of Kazimierz Stabrowski:

    Dreamy vistas that invite the observer to lose themselves in a bygone era.

    It remains a singular destination for those who seek to understand not just the history of Lithuanian art, but the enduring spirit that continues to define its creative legacy.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Kazimierz Stabrowski originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/kazimierz-stabrowski/
    • The museum Lithuanian Art Fund originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/lithuanian-art-fund-vilnius/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Cacti in Palermo

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Stabrowski, Kazimierz. Cacti in Palermo. 1900, Lithuanian Art Fund. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/
    APA
    Stabrowski, Kazimierz (1900). Cacti in Palermo [Painting]. Lithuanian Art Fund. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/
    Chicago
    Kazimierz Stabrowski. Cacti in Palermo. 1900. Lithuanian Art Fund. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/
    Harvard
    Stabrowski, Kazimierz (1900) Cacti in Palermo. Lithuanian Art Fund. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/kazimierz-stabrowski-cacti-in-palermo-D8CVX7-en/

    Look closely

    Cacti in Palermo — Kazimierz Stabrowski

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Autumn landscape (1920), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Kazimierz Stabrowski was about 31 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    Is "Cacti in Palermo" by Kazimierz Stabrowski kept in the artist's home country?

    No - the artwork is kept abroad. "Cacti in Palermo" is held in Lithuania, while Kazimierz Stabrowski was born in Belarus.

    Are there works similar to "Cacti in Palermo"?

    Artworks similar to "Cacti in Palermo" by Kazimierz Stabrowski are gathered on the artwork's Similars page.

    How do I preview a reproduction of "Cacti in Palermo" by Kazimierz Stabrowski?

    A preview of "Cacti in Palermo" by Kazimierz Stabrowski is available on the artwork's Preview page.