The painting "Confession" from 1993 is a work by Jerzy Duda-Gracz depicting the scene of Jesus' confession to a grotesquely painted priest in a dark, eerie cemetery. Jesus, crowned with thorns, shines against the black cassock of the clergyman whose facial expression is comical and silly. The work combines critique and satire toward the Polish clergy without losing respect for spirituality. The artist, in his style, presents human weaknesses, sins, and contradictions with a wish for self-absolution.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Jerzy Duda-Gracz

  • Date of birth and death

    20 March 1941 – 5 November 2004

  • Natinality

    Polish

  • Style

    Symbolism, caricature, grotesque, social satire

  • Significant works

    Józefowi Chełmońskiemu, Exodus, Jeźdźcy Apokalipsy, Wigilia ’81, Chopinowi

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1993

  • Execution technique:

    oil, fiberboard

  • Location:

    Warsaw, private collection

  • Theme:

    religion, confession, satire, social critique, spirituality, sins, Polish clergy

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The painting portrays the tension between true spirituality and hypocrisy, revealing paradoxes and hidden sins within the context of religious experience.

The key to interpreting the work

When interpreting the artwork, pay attention to the strong elements of satire and irony, the contrast between the characters and the symbolism of the crown of thorns, as well as the artist's personal reflections on human weaknesses and spirituality.

Auction information

  • Estimated price:

    120 000 - 150 000 zł

  • Auction price:

    140 000 zł

See other works by this artist

Załęcze - Lonely Evening, 1996

  • Artist: Jerzy Duda-Gracz
  • Year: 1996
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Załęcze - Autumn Study, 1996

  • Artist: Jerzy Duda-Gracz
  • Year: 1996
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Autumn, 1988

  • Artist: Jerzy Duda-Gracz
  • Year: 1988
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Łódź Triptych – Quo Vadis Homine, 1972

  • Artist: Jerzy Duda-Gracz
  • Year: 1972
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City

  • Artist: Jerzy Duda-Gracz
  • Year:
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