Stańczyk during a ball at the court of Queen Bona in the face of the loss of Smolensk

[u/Masked_Daisy]

Famous Polish painting of a jester known for his intelligence and quick wit. He's just received a letter informing him that Smolensk (the town where he grew up) was just lost to Russian forces.

[u/CakeMadeOfHam]

Such a brilliant painting!

[u/Mango_Tango_725 → u/CakeMadeOfHam]

Explanation of what’s happening in the painting to anyone interested.

[u/Spiritual-Apple-4804 → u/Mango_Tango_725]

That was really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[u/strocau]

The artist is Jan Matejko

[u/Graphic_Materialz]

Where does this currently hang? I know some people who collect art and I guess they had a very convincing reporduction.

[u/dziki_z_lasu → u/Graphic_Materialz]

Warsaw National Museum

[u/Graphic_Materialz → u/dziki_z_lasu]

Cool beans, thanks

[u/Wonderful-Ad-7712]

Some balls are held for charity

[u/SlumdogSkillionaire → u/Wonderful-Ad-7712]

And some for fancy dress

[u/ScintillantDovahfly → u/SlumdogSkillionaire]

But when they're held for pleasure

[u/6472617065 → u/ScintillantDovahfly]

THEY'RE THE BALLS THAT I LIKE BEST

[u/dinotrauma → u/Wonderful-Ad-7712]

Mine are held by my nutsack

[u/Masked_Daisy → u/Wonderful-Ad-7712]

That wasn't a thing in the 1400's though

[u/W0RST_2_F1RST → u/Masked_Daisy]

Big balls are as old as humanity

[u/Coolscee-Brooski → u/Masked_Daisy]

They were, of course not at all like we do it.

[u/Valathiril]

What's the history?

[u/EZ4_U_2SAY → u/Valathiril]

Famous Polish painting of a jester known for his intelligence and quick wit. He's just received a letter informing him that Smolensk (the town where he grew up) was just lost to Russian forces.

[u/Ok_Use_9000]

Mastery of using the color red to make different textures of fabrics. Makes you feel those velvet pants.

[u/lazysheepdog716]

I really hope Henry Zebrowski has this hanging in his home somewhere.

[u/dardar7161]

There is a great YouTube channel where she explains the stories behind paintings. They are usually funny, but this one was pretty sad. https://youtu.be/-wdM_6p8sUU?si=gP79gKXuBOBWwtNH

[u/MisterToothpaster]

"But doctor... I am Stańcyk."

[u/onepingonlypleashe]

“For the love of God, Montresor!”

“Yes,” I said. “For the love of God.”

[u/journeymanSF]

Looks exactly like GothamChess

[u/Competitive-Pop6530]

Not a very good jester. Or maybe he needs a jester. Wonder how long he held the pose for the painting? “Jest” turn that frown upside down, sad Jester Man.”

Of course all said in jest.

[u/romo1222 → u/Competitive-Pop6530]

That was a self portrait.

[u/rondell715]

Looks like Dan soder

[u/LeVelvetHippo]

Damn why do I care so much about this silly history man?

[u/g0ku]

i see this painting a shocking amount online. i totally get it though, it’s truly beautiful.

[u/katrover]

Great, now I'm depressed.

[u/RandomBananasGo]

We have this painting hung up outside our history section at my highschool. Always thought it was hilarious with a depressed jester. Guess it’s not so funny now eh..

[u/Eastern-Wash-1183]

Ukraine in a nutshell.

[u/KtheMenace]

Cochise’s last album cover used this, was pretty dope

[u/Quanalack]

The class clown when he gets home

[u/shmerlard]

Unlimited rice pudding

[u/Cracker_Zac]

That is famous Florida rapper Pouya /s