Student Artwork Guide — Alchemist Sendivogius

Name Class Date

Jan Matejko, Alchemist Sendivogius (1867). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist: Jan Matejko topimpressionists.com/en/artists/jan-matejko/
Artist’s dates: 1838 – 1893
Painted: 1867
Original size: 73 x 130 cm
Movement: Romanticism Art that puts feeling, wildness and the power of nature above calm order and rules.

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Jan Matejko died in 1893; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1963.

Alchemist Sendivogius — Jan Matejko

How big is it?

The original measures 73 × 130 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

1830
1840
1850
1860
1870
1880
1890

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 55 at death.

Painted when the artist was 29. The artist lived to 55. 6 of the 31 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Jan Matejko (1838–1893) ▲ this work, 1867 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1867 Main working years: 1867–1888 Late works: from 1888

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Bathory at Pskov, 1872 topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-bathory-at-pskov-8XYB3L-en/
Battle of Grunwald (detail) (10), 1878 topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-battle-of-grunwald-detail-10-8XYB4Z-en/
Copernicus in the tower at Frombork, or Conversations with God, 1872 topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-copernicus-in-the-tower-at-frombork-or-conversati-8XYB3F-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Espresso #4a2c22

Catalogued palette

#4A2C22
#B17645
#1E1415
#7B482F

These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

Palette: Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
Main colour name: Espresso
Intensity: Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
Saturation: Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

Where in the world is this painting looked at?

under 1%
1–3%
3–8%
8–20%
20% and over

This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Jan Matejko over the last twelve months — 24 countries in all. Where these figures come from

The ten leading countries

1 China 43.5%
2 Czechia 23.4%
3 France 3.2%
4 Slovakia 3.2%
5 United States of America 3.2%
6 Hong Kong 2.4%
7 Singapore 2.4%
8 Belarus 1.6%
9 Germany 1.6%
10 Luxembourg 1.6%
· 14 other countries 13.9%

Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

The 20 most looked-at works by Jan Matejko

1 Stańczyk, 1862 32.4%
2 Battle of Grunwald (detail) (10), 1878 11.5%
3 Bathory at Pskov, 1872 2.7%
4 The Battle of Grunwald [Tannenberg] 2.7%
5 Self-portrait, 1892 2.7%
6 Empress Rejtan 2.7%
7 output scholars 2.7%
8 Battle of Grunwald, Jan Zizka(detail) 2.0%
9 Copernicus in the tower at Frombork, or Conversations with God, 1872 1.4%
10 Sobieski sending Message of Victory to the Pope, after the Battle of Vienna 1.4%
11 The Fall of Poland, 1866 1.4%
12 The Prussian Homage, 1882 1.4%
13 Gamrat and Stanczyk, 1878 1.4%
14 Battle of Grunwald, 1878 1.4%
15 To Stanczyk 1.4%
16 Julian Bukowski 1.4%
17 Battle of Grunwald (detail) 1.4%
18 Entry Valois 1.4%
19 Jan Zamoyski 1.4%
25 Alchemist Sendivogius, 1867 this painting 0.7%

Together these works take 75.5% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 202 works by this artist, of which 55 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 25 of them, with 0.7% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

Alchemist Sendivogius — Jan Matejko

The Alchemist Sendivogius is a captivating oil on panel painting by the renowned Polish artist Jan Matejko, created in 1867. This historical scene showcases a group of individuals gathered around a fireplace, engaged in intellectual discussions and camaraderie. The painting measures 73 x 130 cm and is a prime example of Romanticism in art.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The Alchemist Sendivogius is set in a medieval environment, with a dining table, chairs, and a bench, where a man sits, possibly engaged in conversation or reading. The presence of a book nearby suggests that this setting is a place for intellectual pursuits. The overall atmosphere exudes a sense of intimacy and curiosity, as the individuals present seem to be exploring the mysteries of alchemy.

Jan Matejko's Artistic Style

Jan Matejko was a prominent figure in Polish art, known for his historical paintings that often featured significant events and figures from Poland's past. His style is characterized by attention to detail and a deep understanding of the historical context in which his paintings are set. The Alchemist Sendivogius is no exception, with its intricate depiction of medieval life and the pursuit of knowledge.

Other notable works by Jan Matejko include Coronation of the first king A.D. 1001 and Christianization of Poland A D 965.

The Musée Girodet in Montargis, France, is another cultural institution that showcases an impressive collection of artworks from various French and foreign schools, including works by artists who influenced Jan Matejko's style. More information can be found at Discover the Charm of Musée Girodet Montargis, France.

Handmade oil painting reproductions of the Alchemist Sendivogius are available at https://AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of history and appreciate the beauty of Jan Matejko's work in their own homes.

The Alchemist Sendivogius is a testament to Jan Matejko's skill as a painter and his ability to capture the essence of historical events and figures. This painting continues to fascinate art lovers and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of alchemy and the intellectual pursuits of medieval society.

Artist

Jan Matejko

Born in Krakow, Poland

early life and education

jan alojzy matejko, a renowned polish painter, was born on june 24, 1838, in kraków, poland. his father, franciszek ksawery matejko, was a czech-born tutor and music teacher. jan's early life was marked by the kraków revolution of 1846 and the 1848 siege of kraków by the austrians, events that would later influence his artistic themes. matejko attended st. ann's high school but dropped out in 1851 due to poor grades. however, he showed exceptional talent for art from an early age. he studied at the school of fine arts in kraków from 1852 to 1858, specializing in historical painting under the tutelage of wojciech korneli stattler and władysław łuszczkiewicz.

artistic career

matejko's first major work, tsars shuyski before zygmunt iii, was completed in 1853. he began exhibiting his historical paintings at the kraków society of friends of fine arts in 1855. notable works include:

rejtan (1866): a large oil on canvas painting depicting a pivotal moment in polish history.

union of lublin (1869): a significant piece showcasing matejko's skill in capturing historical events.

battle of grunwald (1878): a masterpiece that highlights his ability to convey the intensity of battle scenes.

museological contributions and legacy

matejko spent most of his life in kraków, eventually becoming a director at the jan matejko academy of fine arts, formerly known as the kraków academy of fine arts. his students included prominent painters such as maurycy gottlieb, jacek malczewski, józef mehoffer, and stanisław wyspiański. notable works available on AllPaintingsStore:

jan matejko: varna (romanticism)

jan matejko: still life (romanticism)

jan matejko: the union of lublin (298 x 512 cm, romanticism, oil on canvas)

view more works by jan matejko on AllPaintingsStore: jan matejko | 203 artworks matejko passed away on november 1, 1893, leaving behind a legacy as poland's most famous painter and the "national painter" of poland. his contributions to historical painting continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.

references:

discovering the masterpieces of muzeum narodowe krakow, poland (wikipedia.org)

Where to read more

The artist Jan Matejko topimpressionists.com/en/artists/jan-matejko/
Similar works More works to compare topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for Alchemist Sendivogius

topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: Matejko, Jan. Alchemist Sendivogius. 1867, https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/
APA: Matejko, Jan (1867). Alchemist Sendivogius [Painting]. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/
Chicago: Jan Matejko. Alchemist Sendivogius. 1867. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/
Harvard: Matejko, Jan (1867) Alchemist Sendivogius. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/jan-matejko-alchemist-sendivogius-8XYB3T-en/

Alchemist Sendivogius — Jan Matejko

Look closely

Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Our catalogue files this work under: portraits, buildings. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
Look back at Bathory at Pskov (1872), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
Romanticism: Art that puts feeling, wildness and the power of nature above calm order and rules. Where can you see that in this work?

Your response

Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

Questions & Answers

How much light do the colors of "Alchemist Sendivogius" appear to reflect?

The colors of "Alchemist Sendivogius" show a dark luminance.

What aliases or alternate names does Jan Matejko have?

Jan Matejko is also known as Jan Alojzy Matejko, Jan Mateyko.

How is "Alchemist Sendivogius" by Jan Matejko proportioned, and how big is it?

The format of "Alchemist Sendivogius" is panoramic, and the original measures 73 x 130 cm. Both are useful when planning a reproduction.