“The Union of Lublin,” created by Jan Matejko in 1869, is an oil painting on canvas belonging to the Romanticism art movement. This history painting, measuring 298 x 512 cm, is housed in the Lublin Museum in Lublin, Poland.
The artwork vividly portrays the significant historical event of the Union of Lublin, which led to the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569. A multitude of figures is depicted in a richly adorned interior, suggesting a moment of high political importance. The scene, characterized by strong, expressive faces and intricate details in attire and setting, captures the gravity and solemnity of the union. Central figures are seen brandishing symbolic items, such as swords and religious crosses, emphasizing the confluence of state and faith in this historic accord. The arrangement and posture of the figures suggest negotiation, authority, and reflection, encapsulating the momentousness of this event in European history.
