Sigismund I the Old 

Jan Matejko created this portrait of Sigismund I the Old using pencil. The stark contrast of black lines against the white paper creates a powerful image that evokes a sense of gravitas. Note the composition, Sigismund is centrally positioned, dominating the pictorial space, his gaze fixed and direct. The artist's use of line is particularly striking, varying from the delicate strokes that define the king's face to the bolder, more assertive marks that delineate his regal attire. We can see the texture of his fur lined coat through Matejko's intricate detailing, giving depth to the two dimensional surface. The crown and jeweled cross glint, drawing the eye to the symbols of power and authority. Matejko seems to be exploring themes of sovereignty, legacy and the weight of leadership through the very structures of representation. The portrait challenges us to decode the signs of power embedded within its formal elements.