Study of Quinn Barbara’s Arm to the Painting ‘The Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’ 1860

Józef Simmler made this oil study, focused on Quinn Barbara's arm and dress, as preparation for his larger painting, ‘The Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’. Simmler painted during a period of intense national feeling in Poland, which was then partitioned between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Historical paintings, particularly those that depicted powerful or tragic moments in Polish history, served to remind people of their shared culture and identity. Simmler's choice of subject matter, the death of a Polish queen, speaks to this nationalist sentiment. But this study also shows us the institutional practices of academic painting. Before embarking on the final work, artists would often make detailed studies of individual elements, such as a figure's pose, drapery, or facial expression. These studies allowed the artist to carefully consider and refine each component of the composition before bringing it all together in the final painting. Understanding the social and institutional context of Simmler's art can tell us so much about Polish history, academic training, and the public role of art. Museum archives, historical societies, and libraries are crucial resources for this kind of research.