Study of the Prince and a Kneeling Lady for the Painting ‘The Upbringing of Sigismund Augustus’ 1861

Józef Simmler created this pencil drawing, a study for his painting ‘The Upbringing of Sigismund Augustus’, sometime in the mid-19th century. What strikes us is the stark simplicity of form. The figures, sketched with minimal detail, are defined by the contrast between light and shadow. Consider the composition: the Prince sits with a casual elegance, his gaze directed elsewhere, while the kneeling lady beside him looks up with an expression of what seems like longing. Simmler skillfully uses line to suggest the emotional distance between the two figures. It’s the formal arrangement that speaks most powerfully. The lines aren't just descriptive, they articulate a complex network of relationships, hinting at power dynamics and perhaps even unspoken desires. In essence, Simmler has presented us not merely with a historical scene, but with a study in human relations, skillfully rendered through the formal language of line and composition. This creates a space for ongoing interpretation, inviting us to reflect on the structures that shape our perceptions.