Artwork

Study (I) of Both Hands of the Bishop to the Painting "The Oath of Queen Jadwiga"

Study (I) of Both Hands of the Bishop to the Painting "The Oath of Queen Jadwiga" is an oil painting by Józef Simmler. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1855, *Study (I) of Both Hands of the Bishop to the Painting 'The Oath of Queen Jadwiga'* is an oil painting by Józef Simmler, a Polish artist known for his classical style and Polish-themed works. The piece is now part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on a detailed, realistic depiction of a bishop's hands, posed as if in the act of oath-taking. This study was preparatory for the bishop's figure in Simmler's larger work, *The Oath of Queen Jadwiga*.

Technique & Style

Simmler employed oil paint to achieve a realistic rendering, emphasizing the texture of skin folds and the precise shape of fingers. A muted background contrasts with the hands, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject.

History & Provenance

Originally created in Warsaw, the artwork is now housed at the National Museum in Kraków, reflecting Simmler's contribution to Polish cultural heritage through his classical, historically themed paintings.