Allegorical representation of Poland

This is one of many works by Władysław Barwicki on patriotic themes. The accuracy of the drawing, attention to detail, realism and clarity of the whole are features which he took from his master, Wojciech Gerson, a teacher at the Warsaw Drawing Class, which he attended for eleven years. The primacy of drawing over colour distinguished all the works of the artist, who willingly worked in reproducible graphic techniques.

The depiction of Poland in the figure of the Queen was very popular after the country regained independence, although this historical fact somehow relieved artists from the duty to encourage hearts. Freed from their duty to the nation, they began to search for a national style in art, drawing on the achievements of French Post-Impressionism and Polish folk art. In spite of this, there was still a great demand for patriotic content in art, which served to build an image of the newly emerging state. This is why the image of the Polish people is full of pride, peace and power. The objects which accompany the woman, such as the crown, armour, long coat, shield and laurel wreath, leave no doubt that we are looking at a strong queen. The placement of the seal and the signature of head of state Józef Piłsudski emphasises the propaganda significance of the graphic.