The Hanging of the Sigismund bell at the Cathedral Tower in 1521 in Kraków
Jan Matejko · 1874
Why it's great
In 1521 in Kraków, workers raise a giant bell by ropes into the cathedral tower, as the crowd and the king watch. The Sigismund Bell is still in the cathedral and still rings. Matejko painted the pride of the city. It's a lively picture of a big community project.
Where to see it
📍 National Museum in WarsawWarsaw, Poland
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →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.
