Who painted Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski?

Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski was painted by Józef Peszka in 1809.

Where can I see Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski?

Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski is held by National Museum in Kraków.

Can I buy a print of Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski?

Museum-quality prints of Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski

Józef Peszka , 1809

Death of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski is an oil painting by Józef Peszka. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1809, this oil painting by Józef Peszka portrays the final moments of Bishop Stanisław Szczepanowski, a 11th‑century cleric of Kraków. Executed during the early nineteenth‑century wave of Polish historic painting, the work now belongs to the National Museum in Kraków’s permanent collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the dying bishop, garbed in white vestments with a blue‑gold sash, his hands lifted in prayer at an altar. A figure in red and gold, sword in hand, confronts him, suggesting a violent interruption of the sacred rite. Surrounding onlookers react with alarm, underscoring the tension between spiritual devotion and mortal peril.

Technique & Style

Peszka employs chiaroscuro to heighten drama, contrasting illuminated forms against deep shadows that model the figures and suggest a flickering light source. The palette of muted whites, blues, and rich reds directs attention to the bishop while the sword‑bearing antagonist is highlighted by warm tones. The composition is tightly arranged, guiding the eye toward the central act of prayer.

History & Provenance

Józef Peszka, primarily known for portraiture and watercolor landscapes, ventured into historical narrative with this canvas. After its completion, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the National Museum in Kraków, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s representation of early 19th‑century Polish art.