Portrait of Aleksandra Zatler, general’s wife 1862

Józef Simmler painted this portrait of Aleksandra Zatler, a general’s wife, in 1862. It exemplifies the Polish Realist style. Here, a high degree of naturalism, combined with a subdued color palette, gives us an insight into the sitter’s social standing. During this period, Poland was under foreign partition, deeply divided and with no independent state. Aristocratic patronage provided economic stability for many artists, whose work often alluded to Poland’s past greatness. The portrait suggests wealth and status, shown through the sitter’s delicate lace shawl and silk dress, but it is also a study of the sitter's character. The muted tones and thoughtful expression convey a sense of quiet dignity. We can research the social and cultural context of partitioned Poland, examining letters, diaries, and official records to understand better the world in which Simmler and his sitter lived, and grasp the subtle ways that art reflected and shaped their society.