Jan Matejko's Stańczyk appeared on the cover of Lady Gaga's new album, which was released on September 27, 2024. This move by the artist surprised even the National Museum in Warsaw, which holds the original work in its collection. While this can be considered a great honor, the painting also has an important upcoming journey to Paris.
Jan Matejko’s Stańczyk: The Highlight of a Prestigious Exhibition at the Louvre in Paris
On October 16, 2024, the Louvre in Paris will open a temporary exhibition titled Figures du fou ("Figures of the Fool") in the Napoleon Hall. On this occasion, Matejko’s Stańczyk will be transported to the French capital, becoming one of the centerpiece exhibits.
Our beloved Stańczyk will soon leave the museum and embark on a journey to Paris, where it will be displayed at the Figures of the Fool exhibition at the Louvre
- the National Museum in Warsaw announced on its Facebook page. The October exhibition will feature over 300 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, medals, tapestries, bronzeware, and other works. The aim of the exhibition is to showcase how the image of the fool has evolved over time, making the inclusion of a Polish masterpiece essential.
Stańczyk at the Louvre: The Figures du fou Exhibition Focuses on the Image of the Fool
Stańczyk, painted by Jan Matejko in 1862, remains one of the artist’s most important works. It depicts the royal jester of King Sigismund the Old, sitting thoughtfully in a chair, reflecting on the tragic fall of Smolensk in 1514. The background features a ball, creating a stark contrast, while the entire painting serves as a critical reflection on the political and social realities of the time. The canvas will leave the National Museum in Warsaw for several months. The Figures du fou exhibition will run from mid-October until February 3, 2025, after which the painting will return to Poland.
This distinction is a significant event for Polish art. The inclusion of Stańczyk in such a prestigious exhibition, alongside valuable artifacts from around the world, highlights its importance to both local and European culture.
