Sketch of the king figure for the painting ‘Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’ 1860

Józef Simmler created this sketch on paper for his painting ‘Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’. Simmler was a Polish artist working in the mid-19th century, a time when Poland was partitioned between Russia, Prussia and Austria. His work often reflected a deep concern with Polish history and national identity, themes that resonated strongly with a society yearning for independence. ‘Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’ depicts a tragic moment from Polish-Lithuanian history, likely functioning as a commentary on the fragility of power, national unity, and the heavy burden of leadership. To fully understand the painting, one would need to delve into the history of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the circumstances of Barbara Radziwiłł's death, and the political climate of 19th-century Poland. Historical archives, biographies, and studies of Polish art history would all be valuable resources. The meaning of a work of art is always contingent on its social, cultural, and institutional context.