Portrait of Mrs. Kruszewska née Komorowska 

Józef Simmler painted this oil on canvas portrait of Mrs. Kruszewska née Komorowska sometime in the mid-19th century. Simmler was a Polish artist working at a time when Poland was partitioned between Russia, Prussia and Austria, an era marked by national struggle and cultural revival. The portrait of Mrs. Kruszewska reflects the values and norms of the Polish upper class. Her elaborate gown and jewelry communicate wealth, status, and social identity. Looking at portraits like this one, we have to ask who was commissioning art at this time, and for what purposes? Portraits served to commemorate individuals, but also to assert their place within a particular social order. The history of Polish aristocracy is essential context. By exploring historical archives, genealogical records, and studies of Polish society at the time, one can understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped the production and reception of this portrait.