JAN DE ROSEN Polish, 1891–1982 Cartoon for The National Basilica (Washington D.C.) mosaic, Chariots of Fire, Apse of Upper Church Mixed media on paper: crayon or chalk and/or gouache on brown paper Unsigned. Concept cartoon or artwork depicting the biblical story of the prophet Elijah's ascent to heaven in a "chariot of fire." The cartoon was made for a mosaic included in the "Glorious Mysteries, North Apse Chapels" of the "Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception" in Washington D.C. -- the mosaics were eventually manufactured by famed German mosaic and glass artist, Peter Recker. Framed. Not examined out of frame. 41.5 x 44.5 inches; Frame 43 x 46 inches $1,200-1,600
ARTIST PROFILE: Jan Henryk de Rosen (1891–1982) was a highly distinguished Polish muralist and mosaic artist who transitioned from a decorated military and diplomatic career to become a prominent figure in religious liturgical art. Born in Warsaw and educated in Paris, he earned prestigious honors such as the Virtuti Militari and the French Legion of Honour for his service during World War I before turning his focus to large-scale religious commissions, including the celebrated murals in the Armenian Cathedral of Lwów and private works for Pope Pius XI at Castel Gandolfo. After moving to the United States in 1939 to work on the Polish Pavilion at the World's Fair, the outbreak of World War II prompted him to remain in America, where he served as a professor at the Catholic University of America and created some of the world's largest mosaics, such as the Christ in Majesty at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.. His unique technical style often utilized a "wax tempera" technique, reputedly liquefied with Dutch beer, resulting in ethereal, gold-leafed masterpieces found in cathedrals and institutions throughout the United States and Europe.
