(1838–1893)
Prussian Homage (Hold Pruski), oil study, oil on canvas, 35.5 x 74 cm, unframed

Provenance:
European Private Collection.

Compare:
Ewa Micke-Broniarek, Matejce w holdzie ... W stulecie smierci artysty, Katalog wystawy, Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie, 1993, p. 156, cat no. 69, pl. XVII.

The present lot is most likely a study for the large-format painting "Prussian Homage" and can be attributed to Jan Matejko. The monumental work (388 x 758 cm) in the collection of the National Museum in Krakow, was painted between 1879-1882. It depicts Albrecht of Prussia paying feudal homage and swearing allegiance to Sigismund I in the market square of Krakow in 1525, one of the most important events in German-Polish history. The composition of the executed painting is already indicated in the present study, although the number depicted characters in the finished work has increased. In the centre, with typical facial features, we see the Polish King Sigismund I enthroned before Duke Albrecht of Hohenzollern, who has just taken the oath of allegiance. They are surrounded by numerous people who witness the scene, including Stańczyk, the king's court jester, seated at the king's feet in the right foreground. A popular figure that Matjeko repeatedly depicted in his paintings or incorporated into large historical compositions. Thus, already in the study he places the court jester leaning on his stick, gesticulating heavily.. The entire scene is festively designed and the celebratory optimistic color scheme is already identifiable in the study.