Matejko, Jan: Union of Lublin

Union of Lublin – relationship between two countries: Polish and Lithuanian – was concluded at the Sejm in Lublin 28 June 1569 year. A common parliament was established for Poland and Lithuania, common election and the principles of foreign policy while maintaining separate offices, honey, military, etc.. Polish-Lithuanian Union, inspired especially by the nobility, he directed Polish policy towards expansive ventures in the east, in the territories of Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine, which later became the cause of sharp conflicts.

Union of Lublin, 1869
oil, canvas, 298 x 512 cm;
Castle in Lublin – deposit of the National Museum in Warsaw

Matejko's painting was created exactly in 300 anniversary of this event. Unfortunately, he does not have the same strength as A sermon by Piotr Skarga if Regent. The middle group with King Zygmunt August lifting up the crucifix is ​​theatrical, like the court box with “paper” the figure of Anna Jagiellonka, copied from the old portrait. However, the full-blooded types of Lithuanian magnates are wonderful (generally opposing the union), wonderfully modeled faces, e.g.. Prince Mikołaj Radziwiłł (He is kneeling with saber drawn) or Cardinal Hosius (sits with outstretched arms on the left side).

It is very telling for Matejko to introduce Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski, an outstanding thinker and political writer, into the picture, embracing a simple peasant with his arm. Modrzewski was one of the first Poles, who stood up for this oppressed social class.