Prussian Homage (painting)
Encyclopedia
The Prussian Homage is an oil on canvas painting
by Polish
painter Jan Matejko
painted between 1879 and 1882 in Kraków
, then part of Austria-Hungary
. It depicts a tribute made by Albrecht Hohenzollern, the Duke of Prussia
, to King Sigismund I the Old
in the Kraków market square on 10 April 1525; the key political event of the time of the Polish Renaissance, known as the Prussian Homage
. It is regarded as a historical painting which shows the triumphal past of Poland
, the glory of its culture and the majesty of its kings.
At the same time, the painting has darker undertones, reflecting the troubled times that befell Poland (in the late 18th century, the Kingdom of Prussia
would become one of the partitioning powers that ended the independence of Poland
). Matejko created his painting to remind others about the history of the no-longer-independent country he loved, and about the changing fates of history. The painting is counted among his masterpieces.
of 1879 and finished it in 1882. The Prussian Homage was donated by Matejko to the Polish nation (technically, to the city of Kraków
) during the meeting of the Diet of Galicia
in Lwów (today's Lviv) on 7 October 1882, to initiate the collection designed to revive the remodeling of the Wawel Castle
. It was then exhibited in Kraków, Lviv
and Warsaw
, as well as in Berlin
, Paris
, Budapest
, and most notably in Rome
and Vienna
, returning to Kraków in 1885. The Royal Wawel Castle at that time was occupied by the Austrian army, as Kraków was part of the Austrian partition
of Poland, and it was decided then that the painting would be temporarily exhibited in the Sukiennice
Museum.
The pro-Polish and anti-Prussian character of the painting caused William I, German Emperor
to object to a proposal about rewarding Matejko; during this period Prussia engaged in attempts to suppress Polish culture on its territory and replace it with German culture. During World War II, in occupied Poland, this painting, together with the Matejko's painting
on the battle of Grunwald
, was one of the two paintings on the "most wanted" list by the Nazis, who engaged in a systematic action of trying to physically destroy all artifacts of Polish culture. It was, fortunately, hidden and safeguarded through the course of the war (in the town of Zamość
).
For most of the 20th and the 21st centuries the painting has been deposited in the National Museum
gallery in the Sukiennice Museum, in Kraków, where it is usually displayed in the Prussian Homage Hall.
, the painting has been dismantled for an art exhibition entitled "Side by Side Poland - Germany" promoted by the 1000 Years of Art and History project of the Royal Warsaw Castle in cooperation with the Martin-Gropius-Bau exhibition hall in Berlin. The exhibition will be open to the general public in Berlin from 23 September 2011 to 9 January 2012.
, it was briefly sent to Zamość
where it was damaged. In 1945 it underwent another restoration, and in 1974 it found itself once again in the hands of restorers before going on public exhibition in Moscow. The last restoration process took place between 2006 and 2008 when the painting was finally restored to its former glory.
es. It portrays an event of significant political triumph for Poland (the Prussian Homage
), where Poland was able to enforce its will over Prussia
. Prussia latter gained independence and turned against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
, becoming one of the partitioners of Poland
; Matejko's painting was created during the partition period, when no independent Poland existed, and like many of Matejko's other works, it was meant to remind the Polish people of their most famous historical triumphs.
At the same time, the painting, through inclusion, gestures and facial expressions of certain characters, foreshadows the tragedies of the future. This is visible, for example in the figures of the king Sigismund I the Old
and Albrecht Hohenzollern, who is kneeling before him. Sigismund is portrayed as a powerful and majestic figure, but not threatening; he treats Albrecht lightly, signifying that this event was only a temporary victory, not a total, lasting domination, crushing his opponent. Albrecht's character is portrayed with many signs of a villainous intent: he kneels on both legs, which a duke should do only in front of a God
, not a sovereign, which implies he does not see Sigismund as a sovereign; he grips his standard strongly, but touches the Bible only gingerly; the standard flies on a military lance
, implying the future militarization of Prussia. Finally, there is a gauntlet on the ground, an implied challenge to Sigismund from Albrecht.
The painting, due to its critique of Albrecht, and the portrayed event, is often seen as strongly anti-Prussian. Despite being on the surface about the glory of Poland, it is also critical of Poland; Matejko went beyond just portraying the glory of a historical event, but also intended to show how the history would play out, and that this event was but an empty victory that was not exploited properly, and failed to secure Poland's future. Matejko knows that the homage was an empty gesture, that it was Prussia who exploited it rather than Poland. Nobody in the painting is smiling, save for one lady of the court, engaged in irrelevant gossip.
The painting has been the subject of numerous art historical
studies, and reinterpreted through the works of artists such as Tadeusz Kantor
. In 1992, the Piwnica pod Baranami
group organized a historical reenactment of the painting.
.
In the center of the painting are Sigismund I the Old
and, kneeling before him, Albrecht Hohenzollern. Sigismund Augustus is shown here as a 5-year-old boy wearing a red dress, held up by Piotr Opaliński
, the court house tutor
. Matejko portrayed Józef Szujski
, professor of the Jagiellonian University
, as Opaliński. Thirty one other political figures contemporary with the event are also depicted, including:
There are also generic characters of some significance:
At the top of the painting, a dove
, symbol of peace
, can be seen.
Matejko painted fragments of the Sukiennice
in Renaissance style
, a form only dates from the year 1555, after a fire which destroyed the building in its original Gothic
style (the portrayed event took place in 1525). The building was reconstructed by the Italian architect Giovanni II Mosca from Padua
. St. Mary's Basilica
is visible in the background.
Oil painting
Oil painting is the process of painting with pigments that are bound with a medium of drying oil—especially in early modern Europe, linseed oil. Often an oil such as linseed was boiled with a resin such as pine resin or even frankincense; these were called 'varnishes' and were prized for their body...
by Polish
Polish language
Polish is a language of the Lechitic subgroup of West Slavic languages, used throughout Poland and by Polish minorities in other countries...
painter Jan Matejko
Jan Matejko
Jan Matejko was a Polish painter known for paintings of notable historical Polish political and military events. His most famous works include oil on canvas paintings like Battle of Grunwald, paintings of numerous other battles and court scenes, and a gallery of Polish kings...
painted between 1879 and 1882 in Kraków
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
, then part of Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary
Austria-Hungary , more formally known as the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen, was a constitutional monarchic union between the crowns of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary in...
. It depicts a tribute made by Albrecht Hohenzollern, the Duke of Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
, to King Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I of Poland , of the Jagiellon dynasty, reigned as King of Poland and also as the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 until 1548...
in the Kraków market square on 10 April 1525; the key political event of the time of the Polish Renaissance, known as the Prussian Homage
Prussian Homage
The Prussian Homage or Tribute was the formal investment of Albert of Prussia as duke of the Polish fief of Ducal Prussia.In the aftermath of the armistice ending the Polish-Teutonic War Albert, Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights and a member of the House of Hohenzollern, visited Martin Luther...
. It is regarded as a historical painting which shows the triumphal past of Poland
History of Poland
The History of Poland is rooted in the arrival of the Slavs, who gave rise to permanent settlement and historic development on Polish lands. During the Piast dynasty Christianity was adopted in 966 and medieval monarchy established...
, the glory of its culture and the majesty of its kings.
At the same time, the painting has darker undertones, reflecting the troubled times that befell Poland (in the late 18th century, the Kingdom of Prussia
Kingdom of Prussia
The Kingdom of Prussia was a German kingdom from 1701 to 1918. Until the defeat of Germany in World War I, it comprised almost two-thirds of the area of the German Empire...
would become one of the partitioning powers that ended the independence of Poland
Partitions of Poland
The Partitions of Poland or Partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth took place in the second half of the 18th century and ended the existence of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, resulting in the elimination of sovereign Poland for 123 years...
). Matejko created his painting to remind others about the history of the no-longer-independent country he loved, and about the changing fates of history. The painting is counted among his masterpieces.
Donation of the painting
Matejko began to paint it on the Christmas EveChristmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
of 1879 and finished it in 1882. The Prussian Homage was donated by Matejko to the Polish nation (technically, to the city of Kraków
Kraków
Kraków also Krakow, or Cracow , is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life...
) during the meeting of the Diet of Galicia
Diet of Galicia
The Diet of Galicia was the regional assembly of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, which was part of Austro-Hungary. The Galician diet was a unicameral assembly composed of 150 deputies, which was presided over by a marshal or a vice-marshal that were appointed by the emperor. The...
in Lwów (today's Lviv) on 7 October 1882, to initiate the collection designed to revive the remodeling of the Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle
The Gothic Wawel Castle in Kraków in Poland was built at the behest of Casimir III the Great and consists of a number of structures situated around the central courtyard. In the 14th century it was rebuilt by Jogaila and Jadwiga of Poland. Their reign saw the addition of the tower called the Hen's...
. It was then exhibited in Kraków, Lviv
Lviv
Lviv is a city in western Ukraine. The city is regarded as one of the main cultural centres of today's Ukraine and historically has also been a major Polish and Jewish cultural center, as Poles and Jews were the two main ethnicities of the city until the outbreak of World War II and the following...
and Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
, as well as in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
, Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, Budapest
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
, and most notably in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
and Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, returning to Kraków in 1885. The Royal Wawel Castle at that time was occupied by the Austrian army, as Kraków was part of the Austrian partition
Austrian partition
The Austrian partition refers to the former territories of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth acquired by the Austrian Empire during the partitions of Poland in late 18th century.-History:...
of Poland, and it was decided then that the painting would be temporarily exhibited in the Sukiennice
Sukiennice
The Renaissance Sukiennice in Kraków, Poland, is one of the city's most recognizable icons. It is the central feature of the Main Market Square in the Kraków Old Town . It was once a major centre of international trade. Traveling merchants met there to discuss business and to barter...
Museum.
The pro-Polish and anti-Prussian character of the painting caused William I, German Emperor
William I, German Emperor
William I, also known as Wilhelm I , of the House of Hohenzollern was the King of Prussia and the first German Emperor .Under the leadership of William and his Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Prussia achieved the unification of Germany and the...
to object to a proposal about rewarding Matejko; during this period Prussia engaged in attempts to suppress Polish culture on its territory and replace it with German culture. During World War II, in occupied Poland, this painting, together with the Matejko's painting
Battle of Grunwald (painting)
The Battle of Grunwald is a painting by Jan Matejko, on the subject of the Battle of Grunwald.-External links:* *...
on the battle of Grunwald
Battle of Grunwald
The Battle of Grunwald or 1st Battle of Tannenberg was fought on 15 July 1410, during the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War. The alliance of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led respectively by King Jogaila and Grand Duke Vytautas , decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights, led...
, was one of the two paintings on the "most wanted" list by the Nazis, who engaged in a systematic action of trying to physically destroy all artifacts of Polish culture. It was, fortunately, hidden and safeguarded through the course of the war (in the town of Zamość
Zamosc
Zamość ukr. Замостя is a town in southeastern Poland with 66,633 inhabitants , situated in the south-western part of Lublin Voivodeship , about from Lublin, from Warsaw and from the border with Ukraine...
).
For most of the 20th and the 21st centuries the painting has been deposited in the National Museum
National Museum, Kraków
The National Museum in Kraków , established in 1879, is the main branch of Poland's National Museum, which has many permanent collections around the country.-History:...
gallery in the Sukiennice Museum, in Kraków, where it is usually displayed in the Prussian Homage Hall.
, the painting has been dismantled for an art exhibition entitled "Side by Side Poland - Germany" promoted by the 1000 Years of Art and History project of the Royal Warsaw Castle in cooperation with the Martin-Gropius-Bau exhibition hall in Berlin. The exhibition will be open to the general public in Berlin from 23 September 2011 to 9 January 2012.
Restoration works
The renovation works in the Sukiennice Museum began on 12 June 2008 while the painting underwent restoration. It was not available for viewing by the general public during this time. It had previously undergone several restoration works in 1915 and 1938. During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, it was briefly sent to Zamość
Zamosc
Zamość ukr. Замостя is a town in southeastern Poland with 66,633 inhabitants , situated in the south-western part of Lublin Voivodeship , about from Lublin, from Warsaw and from the border with Ukraine...
where it was damaged. In 1945 it underwent another restoration, and in 1974 it found itself once again in the hands of restorers before going on public exhibition in Moscow. The last restoration process took place between 2006 and 2008 when the painting was finally restored to its former glory.
Significance
The painting is considered among Matejko's most famous works; it is also one of his largest canvasCanvas
Canvas is an extremely heavy-duty plain-woven fabric used for making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, and other items for which sturdiness is required. It is also popularly used by artists as a painting surface, typically stretched across a wooden frame...
es. It portrays an event of significant political triumph for Poland (the Prussian Homage
Prussian Homage
The Prussian Homage or Tribute was the formal investment of Albert of Prussia as duke of the Polish fief of Ducal Prussia.In the aftermath of the armistice ending the Polish-Teutonic War Albert, Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights and a member of the House of Hohenzollern, visited Martin Luther...
), where Poland was able to enforce its will over Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
. Prussia latter gained independence and turned against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
, becoming one of the partitioners of Poland
Partitions of Poland
The Partitions of Poland or Partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth took place in the second half of the 18th century and ended the existence of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, resulting in the elimination of sovereign Poland for 123 years...
; Matejko's painting was created during the partition period, when no independent Poland existed, and like many of Matejko's other works, it was meant to remind the Polish people of their most famous historical triumphs.
At the same time, the painting, through inclusion, gestures and facial expressions of certain characters, foreshadows the tragedies of the future. This is visible, for example in the figures of the king Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I of Poland , of the Jagiellon dynasty, reigned as King of Poland and also as the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 until 1548...
and Albrecht Hohenzollern, who is kneeling before him. Sigismund is portrayed as a powerful and majestic figure, but not threatening; he treats Albrecht lightly, signifying that this event was only a temporary victory, not a total, lasting domination, crushing his opponent. Albrecht's character is portrayed with many signs of a villainous intent: he kneels on both legs, which a duke should do only in front of a God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
, not a sovereign, which implies he does not see Sigismund as a sovereign; he grips his standard strongly, but touches the Bible only gingerly; the standard flies on a military lance
Lance
A Lance is a pole weapon or spear designed to be used by a mounted warrior. The lance is longer, stout and heavier than an infantry spear, and unsuited for throwing, or for rapid thrusting. Lances did not have tips designed to intentionally break off or bend, unlike many throwing weapons of the...
, implying the future militarization of Prussia. Finally, there is a gauntlet on the ground, an implied challenge to Sigismund from Albrecht.
The painting, due to its critique of Albrecht, and the portrayed event, is often seen as strongly anti-Prussian. Despite being on the surface about the glory of Poland, it is also critical of Poland; Matejko went beyond just portraying the glory of a historical event, but also intended to show how the history would play out, and that this event was but an empty victory that was not exploited properly, and failed to secure Poland's future. Matejko knows that the homage was an empty gesture, that it was Prussia who exploited it rather than Poland. Nobody in the painting is smiling, save for one lady of the court, engaged in irrelevant gossip.
The painting has been the subject of numerous art historical
History of art
The History of art refers to visual art which may be defined as any activity or product made by humans in a visual form for aesthetical or communicative purposes, expressing ideas, emotions or, in general, a worldview...
studies, and reinterpreted through the works of artists such as Tadeusz Kantor
Tadeusz Kantor
Tadeusz Kantor was a Polish painter, assemblage artist, set designer and theatre director. Kantor is renowned for his revolutionary theatrical performances in Poland and abroad.- Life and career :...
. In 1992, the Piwnica pod Baranami
Piwnica pod Baranami
The Piwnica pod Baranami is a Polish literary cabaret located in Kraków, Poland. For over thirty years, in the People's Republic of Poland, Piwnica pod Baranami served as the most renowned political cabaret in the country, until the end of the communist era...
group organized a historical reenactment of the painting.
Historical characters in the painting
The painting depicts numerous important figures of the Polish Renaissance period. As he often did, Matejko took some liberties and portrayed characters who were not present at the actual historical event of the Prussian HomagePrussian Homage
The Prussian Homage or Tribute was the formal investment of Albert of Prussia as duke of the Polish fief of Ducal Prussia.In the aftermath of the armistice ending the Polish-Teutonic War Albert, Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights and a member of the House of Hohenzollern, visited Martin Luther...
.
In the center of the painting are Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I of Poland , of the Jagiellon dynasty, reigned as King of Poland and also as the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 until 1548...
and, kneeling before him, Albrecht Hohenzollern. Sigismund Augustus is shown here as a 5-year-old boy wearing a red dress, held up by Piotr Opaliński
Piotr Opalinski
Piotr Opaliński , of Łodzia Coat of Arms, was a Polish-Lithuanian noble . Kasztelan poznański since 1620, wojewoda poznański since 1622, starosta pobiedzki i śremski ....
, the court house tutor
Hofmeister (office)
In medieval Europe, a Hofmeister was a house tutor, also responsible for the care of his students beyond their education....
. Matejko portrayed Józef Szujski
Józef Szujski
Józef Szujski was a Polish politician, historian, poet and professor of the Jagiellonian University....
, professor of the Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University
The Jagiellonian University was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz . It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world....
, as Opaliński. Thirty one other political figures contemporary with the event are also depicted, including:
- George, Margrave of Brandenburg-AnsbachGeorge, Margrave of Brandenburg-AnsbachGeorge of Brandenburg-Ansbach was a Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach from the House of Hohenzollern.- Early life :...
and Frederick II of LegnicaFrederick II of LegnicaFrederick II of Legnica , also known as the Great of Legnica , was a Duke of Legnica from 1488 , of Brzeg from 1521...
, two other rulers who join Albrecht in the homage, standing behind him. - Castellan Łukasz II Górka, sympathizer with Prussia, is the old, bearded man seen in the background in the space between Albrecht and George and Frederick.
- Frederic von Heideck, Albrecht's advisor, is behind the standard, waiting to receive it after the scene is over.
- The Bishop of Kraków, Piotr TomickiPiotr TomickiPiotr Tomicki - Bishop of Przemyśl, of Poznań and Archbishop of Kraków, Vice-Chancellor of the Crown and Royal Secretary...
, wearing a bishop's miter and to the right of the king. - The man holding up a sword is Hieronymus Jaroslaw ŁaskiHieronymus Jaroslaw ŁaskiHieronymus Jarosław Laski, Lasky, Laszki, Laszky, Laskó, Jeromos, Jerome, Hieronym, Hieronim, , was a Polish diplomat born of an illustrious Polish family...
, nephew of Archbishop Jan Łaski, a diplomat. They are shown to the right of the king, at the top of the crowd. Jan is separated from Hieronymous by bishop Tomicki. Hieronymous is holding his sword, with which Albrecht will be knighted, stiffly, as a warning to the Prussian ruler. - Duchess Anna Radziwiłł, ruler of Masovia (died in 1522). Placed deliberately in the painting by Matejko to emphasize the connection of that land with Poland (top left).
- Janusz III of MasoviaJanusz III of MasoviaJanusz III Mazowiecki was a Polish duke of Masovia, last male of the Masovian Piast dynasty. Son of Konrad III Rudy. Until 1518 Masovia was under regency of his mother Anna Radziwiłł, then he was a co-regent with his brother Stanisław until Stanisław's death in 1524...
, the last Duke of Masovia of the PiastówPiastówPiastów is a town in central Poland, near Warsaw, with 23,331 inhabitants . It is situated in the Masovian Voivodship ; previously, it was in Warszawa Voivodship...
line. He died very young in 1526. - Hedwig Jagiellon, Electress of Brandenburg (1513-1573), daughter of Sigismund I the OldSigismund I the OldSigismund I of Poland , of the Jagiellon dynasty, reigned as King of Poland and also as the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 until 1548...
and his first wife Barbara ZápolyaBarbara ZápolyaBarbara Zápolya was Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania as the first wife of king of Poland Sigismund I the Old....
who planned her marriage to Prince Janusz. The death of the Duke ruined her plans. The character was impersonated by Matejko's daughter Beata. She is seen just below Anna Radziwiłł, in the top left of the painting. - Mauritius FerberMauritius FerberMauritius Ferber Mauritius Ferber Mauritius Ferber (1471 – 1 July 1537 in Heilsberg was a member of the patrician Ferber family of Danzig (Gdańsk). As Roman Catholic Prince-Bishop of Warmia (Ermeland), he prevented most towns in his diocese from converting to Protestantism while the surrounding...
, bishop of Warmia and Krzysztof Kreutzer (sp.?), Prussian diplomat, are engaged in discussion just below and to the left of Hedwig. Ferber, worried, makes a well-hidden gesture to repel evil; Kreutzer tries to calm him. - Queen Bona SforzaBona SforzaBona Sforza was a member of the powerful Milanese House of Sforza. In 1518, she became the second wife of Sigismund I the Old, the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, and became the Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania.She was the third child of Gian Galeazzo Sforza and his wife...
, impersonated by Matejko's wife Teodora MatejkoTeodora MatejkoTeodora Matejkowa, née Giebułtowska , - the daughter of Antoni Giebułtowski and Paulina Sikorska, and the wife of the Polish painter Jan Matejko....
, née Teodora Giebułtowskich (center-left). - Piotr Kmita SobieńskiPiotr Kmita SobieńskiPiotr Kmita Sobieński, Piotr Kmita Sobiński of the Kmita noble family, Count of Wiśnicz, Szreniawa, Piotr Kmita Sobieński, Piotr Kmita Sobiński of the Kmita (Kmitowie) noble family, Count of Wiśnicz, Szreniawa, Piotr Kmita Sobieński, Piotr Kmita Sobiński of the Kmita (Kmitowie) noble family,...
, Grand Marshal of the Crown and governor of Kraków, with his right hand up, worried, likely demanding silence and order from the crowd. - Przecław Lanckoroński (on horseback, in the lower right of the painting), starost of KhmilnykKhmilnykKhmilnyk is a resort town in Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine. The population is 27,900 .The town is situated in the upper part of the river Southern Buh, northeast of Vinnytsia. It is one of the oldest towns of Podillia.-Early history:...
. A notable military commander, personifying the still-respectable military prowess of the Commonwealth (yet past its youth). - The elder mustached man in white, above bishop Ferber and to the left of Duchess Anna, is Prince Konstanty OstrogskiKonstanty OstrogskiKonstanty Iwanowicz Ostrogski was a Lithuanian duke of slavonic origin and a Grand Hetman of Lithuania since September 11, 1497, until his death. As a speaker of the Ruthenian language he is considered to be one of the precursors of the Belarusian language and a national hero in Belarus.He...
, Grand HetmanHetmanHetman was the title of the second-highest military commander in 15th- to 18th-century Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which together, from 1569 to 1795, comprised the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, or Rzeczpospolita....
of LithuaniaLithuaniaLithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
, Voivode of TrakaiTrakaiTrakai is a historic city and lake resort in Lithuania. It lies 28 km west of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Because of its proximity to Vilnius, Trakai is a popular tourist destination. Trakai is the administrative centre of Trakai district municipality. The town covers 11.52 km2 of...
, CastellanCastellanA castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of VilniusVilniusVilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County...
. - Jan Amor Tarnowski (in helmet, to the right of Prince Ostrogski), governor of Kraków, who later became hetman. This portrait was based on Stanisław Tarnowski, a professor of the Jagiellonian UniversityJagiellonian UniversityThe Jagiellonian University was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz . It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world....
and literary historian and biographer of Matejko. - The man taking coins from the tray is Andrzej KościeleckiAndrzej KościeleckiAndrzej Jędrzej Kościelecki was a Marshal of the household of Cardinal Fryderyk Jagiellończyk, starosta of Bydgoszcz from 1485, starosta of Świecie from 1487, Marshal of the Court from 1501, starosta of Spiš from 1507, Castellan of Wiślica and Biecz from 1508, Leaseholder of Wielicko–bochnia...
, treasurer and Court Marshal who skillfully managed the state finances. Looking proudly, unworried, seeing only victory, he symbolizes the importance and wealth of Polish officials of the period. - Krzysztof Szydłowiecki, adviser of the king in matters of foreign policy (shown to the right of the large black figure of Opaliński). Holding the globus crucigerGlobus crucigerThe globus cruciger is an orb topped with a cross , a Christian symbol of authority used throughout the Middle Ages and even today on coins, iconography and royal regalia...
, he was one of the main political figures in the contemporary Polish and Prussian politics, his worried visage questioning the honesty of the ceremony. - HetmanHetmanHetman was the title of the second-highest military commander in 15th- to 18th-century Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which together, from 1569 to 1795, comprised the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, or Rzeczpospolita....
Mikołaj Firlej, between Krzysztof Szydłowiec and Andrzej Tęczyński, Castellan of Kraków. One of many characters with a worried expression, Firlej, a respected military leader, is likely considering the possibility of Prussia growing into a military power. - Andrzej TęczyńskiAndrzej TęczyńskiAndrzej Tęczyński, Earl , was a voivode of Lublin, voivode of Sandomierz, voivode of Kraków, Castellan of Kraków...
(holding the banner in the top right corner) - EnsignEnsignAn ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry...
of Kraków, who later became CastellanCastellanA castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Kraków. He is having difficulty holding the Polish flag unfolded, in yet another foreshadowing of the troubles ahead. - Albrecht GoštautasAlbrecht GoštautasAlbertas Goštautas, , ) was a Lithuanian noble of the Goštautai family from ethnic Lithuanian lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Voivode of Navahrudak since 1508, Voivode of Polotsk since 1514, Voivode of Trakai since 1519 and Voivode of Vilnius since 1522. In 1522 he became Grand Chancellor...
(Olbracht Gasztołd), Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of LithuaniaGrand Duchy of LithuaniaThe Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a European state from the 12th /13th century until 1569 and then as a constituent part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until 1791 when Constitution of May 3, 1791 abolished it in favor of unitary state. It was founded by the Lithuanians, one of the polytheistic...
and voivode of Vilnius (barely visible in the top right of the painting). The king entrusted him with the supervision of the drafting of the Statute of Lithuania. His presence in the painting is intended to symbolize the wisdom of the king as a legislator. - Below the king sits StańczykStanczykStańczyk was the most famous court jester in Polish history. He was employed by three Polish kings: Alexander, Sigismund the Old and Sigismund Augustus.- Name, identity and historicity:...
. His worried face doubts whether that homeage meant victory over the long run (Prussia was one of the partitioners of PolandPartitions of PolandThe Partitions of Poland or Partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth took place in the second half of the 18th century and ended the existence of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, resulting in the elimination of sovereign Poland for 123 years...
in the 18th century), and he makes a gesture to repel bad luck. - In the lower-left corner of the painting, with the document bearing the Royal seal, faces Bartolommeo BerrecciBartolommeo BerrecciBartolommeo Berrecci was a Florentine renaissance architect, who spent most of his career in Poland.He learned architecture in Florence, probably taught by Andrea Ferrucci...
, architect and rebuilder of the Royal Wawel Castle. Next to him is Seweryn Boner, important burgher and banker. His face is one of the two self-portraits of Jan Matejko. The second is the face of the Royal jester Stańczyk. As Berrecci, Matejko portrayed himself as a gray eminence, dominating over the scene, with a royal scepter in his hand.
There are also generic characters of some significance:
- an old Teutonic soldier is shown under Hedwig; he signifies the end of the Teutonic Order;
- Underneath him, at the bottom of the painting, an executor, or a city guard, keeps watch on the crowd, ensuring no unrest will disrupt the proceedings.
At the top of the painting, a dove
Dove
Pigeons and doves constitute the bird family Columbidae within the order Columbiformes, which include some 300 species of near passerines. In general terms "dove" and "pigeon" are used somewhat interchangeably...
, symbol of peace
Peace
Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the...
, can be seen.
Matejko painted fragments of the Sukiennice
Sukiennice
The Renaissance Sukiennice in Kraków, Poland, is one of the city's most recognizable icons. It is the central feature of the Main Market Square in the Kraków Old Town . It was once a major centre of international trade. Traveling merchants met there to discuss business and to barter...
in Renaissance style
Renaissance architecture
Renaissance architecture is the architecture of the period between the early 15th and early 17th centuries in different regions of Europe, demonstrating a conscious revival and development of certain elements of ancient Greek and Roman thought and material culture. Stylistically, Renaissance...
, a form only dates from the year 1555, after a fire which destroyed the building in its original Gothic
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
style (the portrayed event took place in 1525). The building was reconstructed by the Italian architect Giovanni II Mosca from Padua
Padua
Padua is a city and comune in the Veneto, northern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Padua and the economic and communications hub of the area. Padua's population is 212,500 . The city is sometimes included, with Venice and Treviso, in the Padua-Treviso-Venice Metropolitan Area, having...
. St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków
St. Mary's Basilica , is a Brick Gothic church re-built in the 14th century , adjacent to the Main Market Square in Kraków, Poland...
is visible in the background.
Further reading
- Halina Blak, Stanislaw Grodziski, Prussian Homage, painting by Jan Matejko, Literary Publishing. Kraków (1990)
- Halina Blak, The Prussian Homage by Jan Matejko. Warsaw (1977)