Who painted Sketch for “Stańczyk”?

Sketch for “Stańczyk” was painted by Jan Matejko in 1861.

Where can I see Sketch for “Stańczyk”?

Sketch for “Stańczyk” is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Sketch for “Stańczyk”?

Sketch for “Stańczyk” is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Sketch for “Stańczyk”?

Museum-quality prints of Sketch for “Stańczyk” are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Sketch for “Stańczyk”

Jan Matejko , 1861

Sketch for “Stańczyk” is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan Matejko. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Jan Matejko’s 1861 oil sketch, created as a study for his later composition “Stańczyk,” exemplifies his realist approach to historical subjects. The work resides in the National Museum in Warsaw and offers a glimpse into the artist’s preparatory process before the larger 1862 painting was completed.

Subject & Meaning

The figure portrayed is a solitary man seated on a chair, clothed in a vivid red costume and a pointed hat, clutching a sword. His contemplative pose and the somber atmosphere suggest a reflective moment, likely referencing a notable historical or literary personality associated with Polish heritage.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the sketch employs a muted, dark background that recedes behind a table and draped curtains, emphasizing the illuminated central figure. Matejko’s handling of light and shadow underscores the introspective mood while allowing the red attire to stand out sharply.

History & Provenance

Prepared as a preliminary study for the full‑scale “Stańczyk” painted a year later, the sketch remained in Matejko’s possession before entering the National Museum’s collection in Warsaw, where it is currently displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of 19th‑century Polish art.

Senior cu violă, Jacques-Henri-Jean Lambert

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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.