Artur Markowicz (1872-1934), Studying at the Beit Midrash. Krakow, 1911. Pastel on board. Signed and dated. 49X64.5 cm. Framed, 63.5X79.5 cm with frame. Catalogue labels (Polish) on verso. Artur Markowicz (1872-1934) was born in Krakow. He studied at the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts under Leopold Leffler, Jan Matejko and others, and between 1896 and 1903 pursued his studies in Munich and at the École des Beaux-Art in Paris, where he also exhibited his work. In 1904, he returned to Krakow and opened a studio in the Jewish district of Kazimierz. In 1907-1908 he travelled to Jerusalem. He continued to work in Krakow, while touring Europe and exhibiting his works. Like other Polish-Jewish artists, he was a member of the Jewish Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts. His works are mostly realistic, influenced by symbolism and expressionism; many of them depict scenes from Jewish life in Krakow.