Artwork
Portrait of a Young Woman – Portrait Study of Queen Bona (According to a Contemporary Woodcut)

Portrait of a Young Woman – Portrait Study of Queen Bona (According to a Contemporary Woodcut) is a watercolor painting by Jan Matejko. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1875 by Jan Matejko, a renowned Polish history painter, *Portrait of a Young Woman – Portrait Study of Queen Bona* is a watercolor painting inspired by a contemporary woodcut of Queen Bona Sforza. It is part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Queen Bona Sforza, depicted as a young woman with a serious, downward gaze. Her ornate attire—a blue and white dress with gold accents, a black flower-adorned hat, and a prominent blue sleeve—suggests a formal, possibly royal, context.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor, the painting showcases Matejko's attention to detail and expressive portraiture skills, characteristic of his style. The composition features a light beige background, focusing attention on the subject's intricate clothing and contemplative expression.
History & Provenance
Originally based on a contemporary woodcut of Queen Bona Sforza, this watercolor study by Matejko is now housed in the National Museum in Kraków, complementing the institution's holdings of Polish artistic heritage.
Context
While Matejko is primarily known for large-scale historical scenes, this work illustrates his capability in portrait studies, reflecting his broader artistic repertoire beyond monumental history paintings.
Legacy
As part of Matejko's oeuvre, the painting contributes to the artist's legacy of detailed, expressive works, though its specific impact is more nuanced compared to his grand historical canvases.
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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.



















