Constitution of May 3, 1791
Jan Matejko · 1891
Why it's great
Crowds stream down the steps of Warsaw's Royal Castle to celebrate the first modern written constitution in Europe. Matejko painted it to remind Poles of their proud past when Poland was ruled by foreign powers. People throng the stairs and cheer. It's a symbol of hope and freedom for Poland.
Where to see it
📍 Royal Castle in WarsawWarsaw, Poland
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Jan Matejko was born in Kraków, Poland, and became the nation's great painter of history. He made huge canvases of Poland's glories and heartbreaks, at a time when Poland was no longer an independent country. He lived most of his life in Kraków, where he later directed the School of Fine Arts. He's a national hero for keeping Polish memory alive.
