The Sad Clown

Jan Matejko’s 1862 painting Stańczyk depicts a 16th-century Polish court jester consumed by sorrow over the loss of Smolensk to Russia, symbolizing political neglect while a, festive ball continues in the background. It represents the "sad clown paradox," where the entertainer is burdened by truth in a time of crisis. 

Size: 29.7x42 cm