Study of lower part of the robe of Bishop Piotr Wysz for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’ 1867

Here, Józef Simmler sketched in graphite the lower part of Bishop Piotr Wysz's robe for his painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’. The robe, a symbol of ecclesiastical authority, drapes with a solemn weight, its folds suggesting both grandeur and humility. Consider the evolution of such vestments. From the simple togas of Roman senators to the elaborate liturgical garments of the medieval church, clothing has always signified power and status. This particular robe, with its vertical row of buttons, echoes the structured order of religious hierarchy. Yet, the soft rendering of the fabric hints at a more human element. The folds and shadows evoke a sense of mystery, a connection to the unseen forces that shape human destiny. The hem of the robe, resting on the ground, grounds the figure in reality, even as he represents the divine. The emotional weight of such imagery is palpable; it resonates with our collective memory of religious ceremony, engaging us on a subconscious level. The robe, as a symbol, is not static; it evolves, resurfaces, and takes on new meanings, always reflecting the shifting sands of history and belief.