Jan Matejko

Jan Matejko (1838 – 1893) was a Polish artist famous for paintings of remarkable historical Polish political and military events. His most famous works include oil on canvas paintings like Battle of Grunwald, paintings of numerous other battles and court scenes, and a gallery of Polish kings. In addition to historical events Matejko made also several portraits. Altogether he authored 320 oil paintings and several thousands drawings and watercolours. Finally he painted a monumental polychrome in St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków (1889–1891). His most important paintings were hidden during World War II. After 1945 majority of his works was found and subject to restoration. His works, disseminated in thousands of reproductions, have made him one of the most famous painters in Poland, and became almost standard illustrations of many key events in Polish history.