
Sketch of the figure of Gniewosz of Dalewice and a nobleman for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’
A hand-painted replica of Józef Simmler’s masterpiece Sketch of the figure of Gniewosz of Dalewice and a nobleman for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
The "Sketch of the figure of Gniewosz of Dalewice and a nobleman for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’" is a preparatory work by the Polish painter Józef Simmler (1823–1868). Simmler was a prominent artist of the 19th century, known for his historical and portrait paintings, which often depicted significant moments in Polish history. This sketch was created as part of the preparatory process for his larger and more famous painting, "Queen Jadwiga’s Oath" (Polish: "Przysięga królowej Jadwigi").
The sketch focuses on the figures of Gniewosz of Dalewice, a Polish nobleman, and another unidentified nobleman. Gniewosz of Dalewice was a historical figure associated with the court of Queen Jadwiga of Poland (1373/4–1399), who was crowned as the King of Poland in 1384. Queen Jadwiga is remembered for her piety, intelligence, and significant role in the union of Poland and Lithuania through her marriage to Jogaila (later Władysław II Jagiełło). The oath referenced in the title of the painting likely pertains to a significant moment in Jadwiga’s reign, although the exact historical event depicted in Simmler’s painting is not explicitly documented.
Simmler’s preparatory sketches, including this one, demonstrate his meticulous attention to detail and his efforts to accurately portray historical figures and settings. The sketch captures the clothing, posture, and expressions of the figures, reflecting the artist’s commitment to historical authenticity and artistic precision. Such studies were a common practice among 19th-century painters, allowing them to refine their compositions and ensure the accuracy of their final works.
While the larger painting "Queen Jadwiga’s Oath" is well-documented as one of Simmler’s significant works, specific details about this particular sketch, such as its current location or the exact date of its creation, are not widely available. However, it remains an important example of Simmler’s artistic process and his dedication to depicting Polish history through art.
Józef Simmler’s works, including his sketches and finished paintings, continue to be appreciated for their historical significance and artistic quality. They provide valuable insights into Poland’s cultural and historical heritage during a time when the country was partitioned and lacked political independence.