Project : Art in Poland
He was intrested in history thanks to his eldest
brother – Franiszek, who was a historian. As a child , he was talented in
drawings. He liked to read and work. As a child of 14, he became a student of
The Scholl of Art in Cracow. In 1858 he continued art study at the Art Academy
in Munih and in 1860 he went to Vienna to improve in the paintings technique.
During his study, he exercised in waterolour, drowing and paintings. Matejko
became a mature artist when he finished one of his most famous works „ Piotr
Skarga`s sermon” in 1860. In 1873 he beame the headmater of The Art School in
Cracow. Jan Matejko was the master for many other Polish painters : J.
Malczewski, J. Mehoffer and M. Gottlieb.
He died in 1893 in Cracow.
The main subject of his artist works were historical
and religious ones. His works „Stańczyk”, „Batory at Psków” ,
„Union in Lublin” , „The Prussian homage” , „A Pictorial guide to the
kings and queens of Poland” are very famous. But his biggest work was „Battle
of Grunwald”.
In
19 century Jan Matejko created paintings, which show the most important events
of the history of Poland. This great artist painted this type of works , because
he wanted to sustain the hearts of compatriots, because, Poland was in the
national capivity in that time. Poles lost their belief in regain independence,
so Jan Matejko`s paintings had a goal remain them about greatness of our
country, which Poland can regain.
One of these type of
paintings very famous picture
called “ Battle of Grunwald “, which was created from 1875 to 1878. This
work shows the final moment of battle, which was played on battlefield of
Grunwald on 15th July 1410. This battle was one of the greatest
medieval battle and it was played during Big War 1409-1411.
The Teutonic army and so- called guests, for example French, German,
Pomeranian and English knights fighted the battle with Polish, Lithuanian and
Russian knights. Some Hungarian and Czech knights
helped Poland too.
Lithuanians under Union in Krewo had to help Poland in case of war, and
thanks to this , Poland won this battle. The first more serious step towards the
battle was on 30th June
when Polish armies crossed the Wisła River under Czerwińsk. Than they
joined Lithuanian armies.
This
army was commanded and the Teutonic army bared them the way on 13th
July near by Stębark.
Battle of Grunwald - historical background
In
the19-th century Jan Matejko created paintings which show the most important
events of the history of Poland. This great artist painted this type of work ,
because he wanted to sustain the hearts of compatriots, because, Poland was in
the national capivity in that time. Poles lost their belief in regaining their
independence, so Jan Matejko`s paintings had a goal to remain them about the
greatness of our country.
One of these type of
paintings is very famous picture
called “ Battle of Grunwald “, which was created from 1875 to 1878. This
work shows the final moment of battle, which took place on the battlefield of
Grunwald on 15th July 1410. This battle was one of the greatest
medieval battles and it was fought during Big War 1409-1411.
The Teutonic army and so- called guests, for example French, German,
Pomeranian and English knights fought the battle with Polish, Lithuanian and
Russian knights. Some Hungarian and Czech knights
helped Poland too.
Lithuanians under the Union in Krewo had to help Poland in case of war,
and thanks to this , Poland won this battle. The first more serious step towards
the battle was on 30th June
when Polish armies crossed the Wisła River under Czerwińsk. Than they
joined Lithuanian armies.
This
army was commanded and the Teutonic army bared them the way on 13th
July near by Stębark.
When
king of Poland Władysław II Jagiełło got ready his army to
fight, Big Master of Teutonic sent herolds with two naked swords, and took back
his units. At this moment the battle began. At first the Polish and Lithuanian
light horse under Witold command charged of Teutonic infantry.
In
replay Teutonic companies attacked the Lithuanian wing. The battle was very
bloody. The Lithuanian knights withdrew from the battle field.
They were still fighting on the left wing. The Big Master led
his next companies there and the Polish squads began to weaken. But one part of
the Teutonic companies were crushed by some
Polish and Lithuanian squads. It caused that Jungingen charged the Jagiełło`s
army with his 16 companies so Jagiełło opposed him new Polish
companies. The strike of Teutonic regiments weakened. So the Teutonic army was
surrounded and Jungingen was killed and many of his commanders and knights were
killed too. There were about 18,000 knights killed. Only 15,000 saved their
lives.
Polish
army owed , its victory to the Holy Virgin. They prayed to Her signing the song
“ Bogurodzica “ at the beginning of the battle. It was the first Polish
anthem.
This big war ended with the singing of the peace treaty in Toruń in
1411. In accordance with it the Teutonic order gave Poland back the Michałowska
Lend.
Karolina Knapik
Małgorzata Wójcik
Agnieszka Stępień