The Constitution of 3 May 1791 - Jan Matejko

A detailed historical painting by Jan Matejko depicting the procession of the Polish Constitution of 3 May 1791 in Warsaw.

Jan Matejko, a master of Polish historical painting, completed this large-scale work in 1891 to commemorate the centenary of the Constitution of 3 May 1791. The painting depicts the procession of deputies and citizens moving from the Royal Castle in Warsaw towards St. John's Cathedral, where the document was to be ratified. Matejko fills the canvas with a dense crowd of figures, capturing the chaotic energy and collective fervour of the period. At the centre, King Stanisław August Poniatowski is carried aloft by deputies, holding the text of the Constitution high above his head. The composition is complex, featuring a multitude of historical figures, including Marshal Stanisław Małachowski and Hugo Kołłątaj, rendered with meticulous attention to period costume and architectural detail. The scene is set against the backdrop of Warsaw, with the Royal Castle visible in the distance. Technically, the work demonstrates Matejko's ability to manage large groups of people within a single frame, using light and shadow to guide the viewer through the narrative. The palette is dominated by deep, earthy tones, punctuated by the brighter colours of the flags and the royal robes. The artist employs a realistic approach to texture, from the rough cobblestones of the street to the fine fabrics of the nobility. This painting remains a primary visual record of Polish national identity, reflecting the political aspirations of the late eighteenth century. It is currently held in the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw, serving as a detailed documentation of the events surrounding the adoption of Europe's first modern written constitution.