THE UNION OF LUBLIN

THE UNION OF LUBLIN

Jan Matejko painted The Union of Lublin to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the signing of the treaty establishing the Commonwealth of Poland–Lithuania, concluded on 1 July 1569. The film discusses the reasons for which the union was necessary, despite the opposition from certain Lithuanian magnates, problems with continuing the Jagiellonian dynasty, scheming Habsburgs, and the threat from Muscovy.

Matejko’s painting presents the main figures of Polish and Lithuanian politics of the time, notably King Sigismund Augustus, the main architect of the union. The act was signed in one of the halls of the castle in Lublin – today home to the Lublin Museum and the place where the painting, property of the National Museum in Warsaw, is exhibited.

Running time: 15'

Year of production: 2016