Jan Matejko (1838 Krakow - 1893 there), Humorous Scene. Jester

pencil, paper, 38 × 53 cm

on the reverse in pencil a framing note

The painting is accompanied by an opinion by Dr. Małgorzata Buyko, 2019.

Jan Matejko's paintings are primarily associated with pathetic historical scenes, or the artist's artistic interpretations of given events. One looks in vain for a humorous narrative in these elaborate, richly detailed scenes. In this category, a separate part of the well-known work of this outstanding artist are precisely his satirically-tinged drawings. They are characterized by a decisive line, lightness and a considerable distance from the surrounding family life as well as from his own person. Among the best known are those illustrating the family life of Matejko's family in the summer manor house in Krzeslawice, such as "Matejko Painting Copernicus" and "Scene on the Porch in Krzeslawice" (collection of the National Museum in Krakow).
"A unique place where a significant number of family caricatures were created is undoubtedly Krzeslawice , where from 1876 in a manor house purchased after the sale of the painting Batory near Pskov, the Matejko family spent a lot of time. Jan also had a small studio there. He rarely invited guests from outside the family. Perhaps the presented drawing is just an example of this. It is known that the artist avoided a lot of company, but he had a close circle of acquaintances (in addition to his family). Among those selected were Izydor Jabłoński (1835 -1905), painter; Marian Gorzkowski 1830-1911, secretary of the artist since 1876, Matejko's first biographer, Józef Szujski (1835-1883), historian; of necessity Matejko maintained close contacts with the administrator of the Krzesławice estate Cybulski. It is possible that the presented drawing is a hitherto unknown testimony of their joint visit or some fantasy of the artist himself." (excerpts from the expert opinion of P. Małgorzata Buyko).