Jan Zamoyski at Byczyna, sketch

Rendered in a realist manner, the sketch emphasizes precise detailing of costumes, weaponry, and facial expressions. Matejko employs strong contrasts of light and shadow to heighten the sense of immediacy, while the loose brushwork typical of a study conveys movement and urgency without the polish of a finished canvas.

Created as part of Matejko’s extensive research into Poland’s historic battles, the sketch was later acquired by the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains in the museum’s collection. Its presence there reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving works that document pivotal episodes of Polish history.

Matejko, a leading figure in 19th‑century Polish historical painting, frequently tackled national themes, using large‑scale canvases to dramatize key events. This sketch belongs to the same tradition, serving both as a visual record and as a tool for planning the compositional structure of his monumental battle scenes.