Founding of the Academy, 1361–1399–1400 AD, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland” 1888

Jan Matejko painted "Founding of the Academy" between 1861 and 1900, as part of his series "History of Civilization in Poland". The work is dominated by powerful symbols of statehood and continuity. At the center, we see regal figures adorned with crowns and holding scepters, ancient emblems of authority found across civilizations from pharaonic Egypt to medieval Europe. A crown is not simply an object; it embodies the weight of tradition, the divine right to rule, and the collective aspirations of a nation. The solemn gesture of holding the scepter—a symbol of power and justice—echoes in countless royal portraits throughout history. Consider the eagle displayed in heraldic form at the top of the throne, an image resonating back to Roman standards, adopted and adapted by empires and nations throughout the ages. Each time it reappears, it carries the echoes of past glories and ambitions, molded by the cultural and political needs of the present. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, accumulate layers of meaning, and tap into our collective memory, evoking primal feelings of loyalty and identity.