The artwork titled “Bohdan Khmelnytsky with Tugai Bey near Lviv,” created by Jan Matejko in 1885, is an oil painting on panel. This piece is a notable example of Romanticism and is classified as a history painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 79 x 130 cm.
The artwork vividly depicts a historical scene rich in detail and dynamic composition. Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a central figure, is portrayed on horseback alongside Tugai Bey as they approach the city of Lviv. The painting is characterized by its dramatic use of color and energetic brushstrokes, which are emblematic of the Romantic style. The scene is bustling with various figures, some on horseback and some on foot, engaged in activities that suggest preparation for a significant event or conflict. Notably, one figure in the foreground is playing a stringed instrument, adding a touch of everyday life amidst the historical drama. Above the central figures, a serene apparition of a saintly figure on a cloud adds a spiritual dimension to the otherwise earthly and martial scene. The overall composition conveys a sense of movement and the tumultuous nature of the historical period it represents.
