Sketch for the painting ‘Wacław Wilczek during the defence of the Benedictine monastery in Trzebice in Moravia in 1468 against Maciej Korwin’ 1876

This sketch by Polish artist Jan Matejko, created in 1876, depicts Wacław Wilczek, a knight defending the Benedictine monastery in Trzebice against the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus in 1468. The figure is painted in a dynamic pose, emphasizing his bravery and determination, showcasing Matejko's penchant for historical narratives. This preliminary study, rendered in vibrant colors, demonstrates the artist's signature dramatic composition and brushwork, evident in the final painting of the same subject.