Olga Boznanska (1865-1940) was a Polish painter at the turn of the last century who was famous for her portraits. It had been hard for to get training in art as a woman, but she persevered.

There is a curious connection in the title of this piece to "Vows of the sculptor Tola Certowiczówna." We aren't scholars enough to research this, but Certowiczówna was a woman sculptor a generation older than Boznanska who had had some real challenges pursuing her art. We are guessing they were friends. Eventually Certowiczówna joined an order, the Congregation of Maidens of Canons, and devoted her life to philanthropic work.

But this was years after this painting, which was done in 1890. It is one of Boznanska's most famous works, and it shows her skill in being able to portray the spirit of the person she has painted. In this case, there is a profound sense of peace and beauty with this praying nun.

A nun is not practical or useful. She might pray for you, but that's not her job. She has chosen to live as Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." Her job is to be for God, and here God has given her peace. A third title is available for this picture, "On Good Friday." We have put a self-portrait of Boznanska in the listing to show you her portrayal of her own spirit, sweet and good and thoughtful. Not included with order, although we do have it on the description on the back of the print.

** IMPORTANT ** The image is smaller than the paper! There is a white border of about 0.5" inch for 5x7", 1.3" for 8.5x11, or 1.6" for 11x14" pictures. The border gives the prints a finished look, and lets them look good in frames without using a matt.

- Acid-free paper
- Archival pigments, rated to last for generations.
- Cardboard backer
- Above story of the art
- Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

Thanks for your interest!
Thanks for your interest!

Thanks!
Sue & John

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - Classic Catholic Art.