Jan Matejko Statue

The statue of Jan Matejko, in Krakow

The statue of Jan Matejko pays tribute to the greatest history painter of Poland, a native of Krakow. The Krakow audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this monument dedicated to the artist who celebrated the grandeur of the national past.

The tribute to the painter of Polish history

The statue pays tribute to Jan Matejko, the most famous Polish painter, born in Krakow in the nineteenth century. A master of history painting, he is the author of monumental and famous canvases that represent the great moments of the history of Poland, battles, coronations and glorious scenes. At a time when Poland had disappeared from the map, divided between its powerful neighbours, the work of Matejko exalted the national memory and pride, and contributed to maintaining the identity of the country. Very attached to Krakow, he lived there and directed the school of fine arts. The town pays tribute to him with this statue, which celebrates one of its most illustrious children and a great artist of the Polish soul.

What to see

You admire the statue paying tribute to Jan Matejko, the most famous Polish painter born in Krakow, a master of history painting whose monumental canvases exalted the national memory at a time when Poland had disappeared from the map. The statue celebrates an illustrious child of the town. It is a stop for art lovers, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The statue of Jan Matejko lies in the heart of the old town of Krakow, reachable on foot. It is an open-air monument, freely visible from the public space. You discover it during a walk in the historic centre.

Who was Jan Matejko?

The most famous Polish painter, born in Krakow in the nineteenth century, a master of history painting, author of monumental canvases on the great moments of Poland that exalted the national memory at a time when the country had disappeared from the map.

Where is the statue of Jan Matejko?

In the heart of the old town of Krakow, in Poland.