Artwork

Portrait of Ludwika Groppler

Portrait of Ludwika Groppler, by Jan Matejko, oil, 1872
Portrait of Ludwika Groppler, by Jan Matejko, oil, 1872

Portrait of Ludwika Groppler is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan Matejko. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

This 1872 oil-on-canvas portrait by Jan Matejko depicts Ludwika Groppler. It is part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows a woman with dark hair, wearing a light-colored dress with a dark collar, set against a dark background. Her calm and serene expression engages the viewer directly.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro to create depth and draw attention to the subject's face. It is characteristic of the Realist movement, showcasing Matejko's skill beyond his large-scale historical works.

History & Provenance

Matejko, known for historical compositions like *Stańczyk* and *The Battle of Grunwald*, created this portrait in 1872, demonstrating his range as a portrait painter.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Matejko

Artist

Jan Matejko

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.