Przerys szkicu kompozycyjnego do obrazu ‘Szaleństwo króla Eryka’ 1860

Józef Simmler made this sketch as a preliminary design for his painting ‘The Madness of King Eric.’ Simmler, a Polish painter, created this work during a time of national upheaval and identity formation. Simmler's interest in historical narratives reflects a broader 19th-century European trend of Romantic nationalism. Artists frequently drew inspiration from national histories, legends, and folklore. The narrative focuses on mental instability, and raises questions about how power and authority intersect with individual psychology. Simmler may have been thinking about the Polish aristocracy or the Polish state itself. It prompts us to reflect on the role of leadership, and the potential for the abuse of power, especially relevant in a time of shifting national identities. The sketch invites us to contemplate not just the madness of a king, but also the structures of power that enable and surround such displays. It bridges the personal and the political, and reminds us of the delicate balance between authority and mental health, a balance that is still relevant today.