Studies of pants of the assailants of St. Matthias to the painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’ 1866 - 1867

These sketches by Józef Simmler offer a glimpse into the garments worn by the figures intended to populate his painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’. Yet, they transcend mere studies of clothing, evolving into symbols of a broader human drama. The billowing trousers, caught in moments of dynamic movement, recall the attire of performers on ancient stages. These garments echo through time, reappearing in diverse forms and contexts, from the pantaloons of commedia dell'arte characters to the breeches worn in Renaissance paintings. The association with performance and drama highlights the theatrics inherent in the scene of martyrdom. The folds and creases of the fabric, rendered with a keen eye for detail, take on a life of their own, evoking feelings of tension and anticipation. Simmler captures the way the cloth clings to the body, emphasizing the human form beneath. This creates a sense of vulnerability and impending violence that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Thus, the clothing becomes a conduit for a larger cultural narrative.