The artwork titled “Battle of Grunwald, the death of the Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen (detail)” by Jan Matejko is a lithograph that falls under the Romanticism art movement and the genre of battle painting. This intricately detailed piece is part of a private collection.
The artwork captures a dramatic and frenetic scene from the historic Battle of Grunwald, with an intense focus on the chaos and turmoil surrounding the climactic moment of the death of the Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen. The composition is densely packed with figures, rendered with dynamic brushwork and vigorous gestures, emphasizing the physicality and violence of the conflict. Central to the scene is the figure of the Grand Master, depicted in white, mounted on a rearing horse, striking an imposing and defiant stance amidst the combat. Surrounding him are numerous soldiers engaged in fierce battle, their expressions and movements conveying the desperation and intensity of the fight. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with Matejko’s meticulous attention to historical detail, imbues the artwork with a sense of immediacy and historical gravitas. This evocative piece exemplifies Matejko’s mastery in portraying historical events with emotional and visual impact, resonating deeply within the Romantic tradition.
