Sketch of the king figure for the painting ‘Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’ 1860

This preliminary sketch by Józef Simmler, created in 1860, depicts a figure for his larger painting “Death of Barbara Radziwiłł”. The sketch features a figure in a seated pose, likely a king or a high-ranking official, as it is part of the larger composition depicting a historical event. Simmler was a Polish artist known for his historical and religious paintings. This drawing showcases his careful planning and attention to detail as he prepared for his larger work. The delicate pencil lines suggest the artist's initial exploration of composition and form, a valuable window into the creative process of a master painter.