Sketch of the figure to the group of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene to the painting ‘Entombment’
A hand-painted replica of Józef Simmler’s masterpiece Sketch of the figure to the group of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene to the painting ‘Entombment’, 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.
Józef Simmler, a prominent Polish painter of the 19th century, is best known for his historical and religious works, which often reflect a meticulous attention to detail and emotional depth. Among his notable works is the painting Entombment (Złożenie do grobu), which depicts the biblical scene of Christ's body being laid in the tomb. This painting is considered one of Simmler's masterpieces and is celebrated for its dramatic composition and the poignant expressions of the figures involved.
The Sketch of the figure to the group of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene is a preparatory study related to this larger work. As was common practice among 19th-century academic painters, Simmler created detailed sketches and studies to refine the composition, poses, and emotional expressions of his figures before executing the final painting. This particular sketch focuses on the figures of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, two central characters in the Entombment scene. The Virgin Mary is traditionally depicted as mourning the death of her son, Jesus Christ, while Mary Magdalene is often portrayed as a devoted follower, sharing in the grief of the moment.
The sketch demonstrates Simmler’s skill in capturing human emotion and his dedication to realism. The figures are rendered with careful attention to anatomy, drapery, and gesture, emphasizing their sorrow and spiritual connection to the event. Such preparatory works were essential to Simmler’s process, allowing him to experiment with composition and ensure that the final painting conveyed the intended emotional and narrative impact.
While the exact date of the sketch is not documented, it is presumed to have been created during the period when Simmler was working on the Entombment, which was completed in 1859. The sketch provides valuable insight into the artist’s creative process and his approach to religious themes, which were a significant aspect of his oeuvre.
The Entombment itself is housed in the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains an important example of Polish academic painting. The preparatory sketches, including this one, are significant not only as standalone works of art but also as tools for understanding Simmler’s artistic methodology and the development of his compositions.
