Entombment of Christ, sketch for a painting c. 1850

This sketch for a painting, the Entombment of Christ, was made by Józef Simmler sometime in the 19th century. It depicts the body of Christ being prepared for burial, surrounded by grieving figures. Simmler was Polish, and though biblical scenes were common subjects, this image speaks to Poland's specific cultural context. During Simmler's lifetime, Poland was under foreign occupation. Art became a way to express national identity and resistance. Religious imagery, deeply ingrained in Polish culture, offered a powerful means to convey themes of sacrifice and resurrection, subtly alluding to Poland's struggle for freedom. To understand this work fully, one needs to consider the socio-political conditions of 19th-century Poland, researching the art institutions, the prevailing artistic styles, and the political movements of the time. In doing so, we can appreciate how Simmler used a traditional religious subject to reflect the hopes and struggles of his nation.