Foot of Queen Jadwiga. Sketch

The sketch by Jan Matejko illustrates the medieval legend about Queen Jadwiga, who was renowned for her kindness and compassion. According to the legend, while passing by the construction of a church with her retinue, Jadwiga noticed that one of the stonemasons looked upset. She asked him the reason for his distress, and upon learning that he could not afford to call a doctor for his sick wife, she placed her foot on the stone, unfastened the golden buckle from her boot, and gave it to the astonished man. When the queen left, the workers noticed that her footprint was imprinted on the stone as if it were soft clay. They embedded it in the church's wall as a mark of gratitude. This very stone block with Queen Jadwiga's footprint is believed to be seen on the facade of the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krakow. In the sketch, against the backdrop of the church facade, a group of people is depicted standing amidst the construction. Surrounding them are scattered stone blocks. In the centre of the composition is a young woman in dark brown clothing with a white shawl covering her shoulders. She has placed her foot on the stone. One of the workers is kneeling before her and touching her boot with his hand.

In the lower right corner is the artist's signature: "J. M.".

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery