The Bait (2022)Acrylic painting by Kasia Januszkiewicz

The painting “The Bait” presents a mysterious, symbolic scene set within the aesthetic of a bygone era. At the center stands an enigmatic figure dressed in richly adorned, historically inspired robes. Long, heavy fabrics fall in soft folds, emphasizing the monumentality and theatrical presence of the composition. The figure’s face is concealed by a ram’s skull, giving it a mystical, almost ritualistic character. The horns rise upward, creating a strong graphic accent and introducing symbolism associated with instinct, sacrifice, and the raw power of nature.

Resting on one arm is a calm cat — a vigilant observer of the scene. With half-closed eyes and a tense body, the animal seems to sense something unseen. In the other hand, the figure holds a mouse — delicate and fragile — becoming the titular “bait.” The contrast between predator and prey builds tension and underscores themes of manipulation, inevitability, and the natural order.

The composition balances between shadow and subtle light, which reveals the richness of textures — the sheen of fur, the roughness of bone, the softness of fabric. The atmosphere is dense, symbolic, and slightly unsettling, inviting the viewer to reflect on power, instinct, and control. “The Bait” is a visual meditation on the tension between hunter and hunted, on the silence before movement, and on the hidden dynamics that unfold just beyond our sight.

Materials used:

acrylic covered with varnish

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 90 x 120cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Surrealistic
• Subject: People and portraits