Battle of Grunwald, Jan Zizka (detail) 

This detail of Jan Matejko's “Battle of Grunwald," painted in 1878, offers us a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Polish history through the figure of Jan Zizka. Matejko created this monumental painting during a time when Poland was partitioned and longed for national unity and strength. Matejko infuses the painting with a Romantic sensibility and an almost theatrical intensity, magnifying the emotional and heroic aspects of the battle. Zizka, a symbol of Czech resistance, embodies the spirit of defiance against oppression. His presence in the painting links the struggles of different Slavic nations against Teutonic expansion, creating a broader narrative of resistance and solidarity. It’s impossible to look at Matejko’s work and not consider how historical narratives are constructed and whose stories are told. "Battle of Grunwald" not only captures a historical event but also reflects the 19th-century longing for national identity and unity, resonating deeply with the cultural and political sentiments of its time.