Artwork

Karton do polichromii Kościoła Mariackiego - Głowa męska i litery "I, B, X" (ks. Jan Bukowski)

Karton do polichromii Kościoła Mariackiego - Głowa męska i litery "I, B, X" (ks. Jan Bukowski) is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Jan Matejko. It is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków. This painting is a preparatory study for the polychrome decorations of St.

About this work

Overview

This painting is a preparatory study for the polychrome decorations of St. Mary's Basilica in Kraków, created by Jan Matejko in 1895. It features a male head alongside the letters 'I, B, X'. The work is a characteristic example of Matejko's detailed and historically informed artistic approach.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man with short, wavy hair, wearing a dark jacket with a white collar and a decorative cross. The surrounding letters 'I, B, X' likely relate to the broader iconographic program of the church's interior murals, which Matejko designed and oversaw.

Technique & Style

The painting is executed in a realist style, with a focus on meticulous detail and historical accuracy. The composition is simple yet elegant, featuring a circular border around the subject's head, decorated with intricate designs and patterns.

History & Provenance

The study is part of the collection at the National Museum in Kraków, having been created as part of Matejko's work on the polychrome decorations for St. Mary's Basilica.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jan Matejko

Jan Alojzy Matejko (Polish pronunciation: ; also known as Jan Mateyko; 24 June 1838 – 1 November 1893) was a Polish painter, a leading 19th-century exponent of history painting, known for depicting nodal events from Polish history.