Dimensions: 46 x 55 cm
signed and dated l.d.: 'J Betley 49'
On the reverse, paper exhibition sticker from one of the exhibitions held in Radom in the 1950s-60s, pencil framing notes on the painter's loom
Origins
inheritance of the artist
collection of the artist's family
Biography
He was born in Plock, but tied his artistic career to Warsaw. In the late 1920s, he entered the School of Fine Arts there, renamed the Academy in 1929. He studied in the studio of a prominent pedagogue, Tadeusz Pruszkowski, who had a significant influence on him. In the circle of "Prusz" Betley became well acquainted with the art of the old masters and developed his painting technique. He was a member of the "Fourth Group" formed on Pruszkowski's initiative and bringing together the youngest generation of artists who were his alumni. He made his debut already as a student, at an exhibition of the Institute of Art Propaganda in 1936. He exhibited his paintings there, as well as in the salons of the Warsaw Zachęta. His works were also exhibited abroad, in Sweden, Great Britain, Austria, France and Italy. In the 1930s, he was particularly keen on genre subjects, in which silhouettes of horses played a major role. This was undoubtedly an expression of the painter's inspiration by the art of the old masters. At that time he created such compositions as "Hippie Competitions in the Royal Baths Park" (1937) and "St. Hubert's Run" (1941).
The time of occupation was a period of stagnation for the painter. He painted little, but still maintained contacts in the art world. During World War II, his oeuvre was significantly damaged. After it ended, he exhibited with the Association of Polish Artists, among others, and took up teaching work at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. He led a very active artistic life. He presented his works at many exhibitions at home and abroad. At that time he painted numerous landscapes from Podhale, Kazimierz Dolny on the Vistula River, Pułtusk, Klodzko or Płock, in which the influence of colorism is visible. Particularly frequent on his canvases at the time were views of Warsaw. Betley recreated the historic architecture of the Old and New Towns, and meticulously documented the space of the capital rising from ruins and wartime destruction. He was awarded many honors for his work, among them the award given to him by the mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw for outstanding service to the city.
