Artwork
Coronation of the First King, 1001 AD, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”
Coronation of the First King, 1001 AD, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland” is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan Matejko. It is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
This 1895 oil painting, 'Coronation of the First King, 1001 AD,' is part of Jan Matejko's 'History of Civilization in Poland' series. It is a large-scale history painting held in the National Museum in Warsaw.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the coronation of a king, standing on a raised platform, surrounded by figures in various attire. The scene conveys grandeur and solemnity, capturing a pivotal moment in early Polish monarchy.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work is characteristic of the realism movement. Matejko's style is marked by detailed, large-scale compositions that bring historical events to life.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of Matejko's broader engagement with Polish national history, a theme that defined his career as a 19th-century Polish painter.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Alojzy Matejko (Polish pronunciation: ; also known as Jan Mateyko; 24 June 1838 – 1 November 1893) was a Polish painter, a leading 19th-century exponent of history painting, known for depicting nodal events from Polish history.
The First Parliament in Łęczyca, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”
Baptism of Lithuania, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”
Power of Commonwealth at its Zenith, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”
Founding of the Academy, 1361–1399–1400 AD, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”
Defeat at Legnica, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”
Imperial Coronation