The
Artist
The Sculptor
Unable
to return to their homeland after the outbreak of World War II, the Cybises chose to
become citizens of the United States where they enjoyed artistic freedom.
Although he had spent many years as a painter, Boleslaw Cybis
was also fascinated with three-dimensional porcelain art. Seeking the best way
to express themselves artistically in their new homeland, they established a
studio at the Steinway Mansion in Astoria, New York, in 1940. Here they
were able to create porcelain art in the fashion of the great
European Studios they had known during their youth.
After moving to Trenton, New
Jersey, known as the "Staffordshire of America," Cybis threw his complete efforts
into porcelain sculpture using the techniques derived from his study of the Old Masters
in Europe. "Concept,...training, direction and execution -- Cybis knew that not one
of these elements can be neglected in the complex process which ends as fine
porcelain sculpture: for he was not a man to be tolerant of less than
perfection. That his
instincts were correct was quickly proven: in less than two years, Boleslaw Cybis achieved
recognition as a leader in the field of porcelain art." (The Ceramic Industrial
Journal, October 1948.) As a result, porcelain sculptures by Cybis began to quietly
disappear into the hands of private collectors. Many of the early pieces are now regarded
as rare finds. And, to this day, the porcelain legacy from the Old Saxony workrooms of the
Old Masters still survives in the craft and magic of Cybis at the Trenton, NJ Studio.
May 31, 1957 Boleslaw Cybis died.
June 14, 1958, Marja Cybis died.
