Rejtan
Jan Matejko · 1866
Why it's great
A man throws himself at the doorway, begging for Poland not to be divided, while the nobles in the room look away. Matejko painted a moment from 1773, when Poland's neighbors carved up the country. It's a harsh message about betrayal. It's a famous national symbol.
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.
