Study of the robe of Bishop Piotr Wysz for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’
A hand-painted replica of Józef Simmler’s masterpiece Study of the robe of Bishop Piotr Wysz 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 artwork titled Study of the Robe of Bishop Piotr Wysz for the Painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’ was created by the Polish artist Józef Simmler (1823–1868). Simmler was a prominent painter of the 19th century, known for his historical and portrait works, which often depicted significant moments in Polish history. This particular study is a preparatory work for his larger and more famous painting, Queen Jadwiga’s Oath, completed in 1867.
The study focuses on the detailed depiction of the robe worn by Bishop Piotr Wysz, a key figure in the historical event portrayed in the final painting. Bishop Piotr Wysz of Kraków was an influential clergyman and diplomat in medieval Poland, and he played a significant role during the reign of Queen Jadwiga of Poland (1373/4–1399). Queen Jadwiga, canonized as a saint in 1997, was known for her piety, intelligence, and dedication to the welfare of her kingdom. The oath referenced in the painting is tied to her commitment to the Christianization of Lithuania and her marriage to Władysław II Jagiełło, which marked the beginning of the Polish-Lithuanian Union.
Simmler’s study demonstrates his meticulous attention to historical accuracy and detail, particularly in the representation of ecclesiastical garments. The robe of Bishop Piotr Wysz is rendered with careful observation of texture, folds, and ornamentation, reflecting the artist’s dedication to authenticity. Such preparatory studies were a common practice among academic painters of the time, allowing them to refine specific elements before integrating them into the final composition.
The final painting, Queen Jadwiga’s Oath, is considered one of Simmler’s masterpieces and is celebrated for its historical significance and artistic quality. It captures a solemn moment in Polish history, emphasizing themes of faith, duty, and leadership. The study of the bishop’s robe, while a smaller and less prominent work, provides insight into Simmler’s creative process and his commitment to portraying historical events with precision and reverence.
The current location of the study is not widely documented, and it is unclear whether it is held in a public collection or remains in private hands. Simmler’s works, including his preparatory studies, are highly regarded for their contribution to Polish art and their role in preserving the nation’s historical narrative during a period of political upheaval and partition.
