Battle of Grunwald, Witold  (detail) 

Jan Matejko painted this section of the Battle of Grunwald in Poland, sometime in the late 19th century. This canvas is more than just a historical record; it's a powerful statement on Polish national identity during a period when Poland did not exist as a nation-state. Painted during a time of national division, Matejko's epic canvases served to remind the Polish people of their glorious past, and to inspire hope for the future. By immortalizing historical events, he aimed to unify a divided nation and promote a sense of shared identity. The cultural references and historical associations in the image, such as the fallen Teutonic Knights banner, would have resonated deeply with a Polish audience yearning for independence. To fully grasp the painting's significance, scholars delve into archives, historical texts, and cultural studies. Through this research, the artwork becomes not just an image but a window into the soul of a nation.