Constitution of May 3, 1791 (Konstytucja 3 Maja 1791 roku)

The new constitution, proudly held aloft by an enthusiastic crowd.

A historical moment of jubilation, as the Polish nation sought to be reborn.

Yet, in reality, when the painter Jan Matejko created this work, he was physically and mentally exhausted, with the shadow of death looming.

This 'first modern written constitution in Europe,' which he depicted, was abolished in just over a year due to armed intervention by neighboring countries and domestic betrayal.

Subsequently, Poland was partitioned by its neighbors, suffering the tragic fate of being completely erased from the map.

The painter himself had no personal attachment to this era; he was suffering from stress due to overwork and deep depression.
Nevertheless, to preserve this historical turning point for his homeland for future generations, he completed this monumental group portrait in less than a year, as if sacrificing his own life.

What he rendered on canvas was not a faithful reproduction of historical facts.

It was an ideal 'moment' he created with his own hands, a historical instant that perfectly captured the spirit of the constitution, known intimately by him who understood the tragedy of a lost nation.

This work, painted amidst thoughts of a lost homeland and the suffering of old age and illness, is far from dark or somber; instead, it is filled with overwhelming passion and vitality.

Perhaps what drove him in his desperate situation was the noble spirit of freedom and independence that Poland once undeniably possessed.