Nude male study to the painting ‘King David playing the harp’ 1855

Józef Simmler made this nude male study in pencil as preparation for his painting ‘King David playing the harp’. The drawing gives us a glimpse into the artistic process of 19th-century academic painting. Produced in Poland, then partitioned between Russia, Prussia and Austria, Simmler's work reflects the cultural and political context of a nation seeking its identity. Historical and biblical scenes were often imbued with patriotic symbolism, offering a visual language for national aspirations under foreign rule. Simmler, who trained at the Dresden Academy, would have been influenced by its emphasis on technical skill and classical ideals, but also the need for artists to contribute to the moral and national life of the country. To understand Simmler's artistic choices, we might look into the exhibition culture of Warsaw at the time, or examine the role of the church as a patron of the arts. By situating this study within its historical moment, we can appreciate the complex interplay between artistic training, national identity, and political expression.