Jan Matejko, Casimir the Great, study for a type of Casimir the Great's mother, double-sided drawing, 1870.

Pencil, paper.
Signed with bound monogram p.d. JM, dated p.d. 1870
Along the right edge, author's description in pencil Casimirus Magnus
On the reverse a sketch with author's description in pencil type to the mother of Casimir the Great
Dimensions: 21 x 17 cm

In 1864, in connection with the five hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Jagiellonian University, the Cracow Scientific Society set about restoring the tomb of Casimir the Great. On June 14, 1869, during restoration work, royal insignia and remains were discovered inside the sarcophagus. Matejko participated in the commission opening of the royal tomb and on this occasion made pencil sketches of the royal skull, insignia and spurs of King Casimir the Great.

The date of the drawing (1870) indicates the period of Matejko's study of the figure of Casimir the Great following the restoration work.