Portrait of Aleksandra Zatler, general’s wife — History & Facts
The Portrait of Aleksandra Zatler features a woman dressed in elegant attire, indicative of her status as a general's wife. The color palette includes rich, warm tones that create a sense of depth and intimacy. Her expression is serene yet confident, suggesting a strong personality.
The background is softly blurred, drawing attention to her figure and attire. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for portraiture during the 19th century. The artist, Józef Simmler, employs realistic techniques to capture the textures of fabric and the subtleties of light on the subject's face. The dimensions are approximately 60 x 80 cm, making it a sizable portrait that commands attention.
The careful detailing in her clothing and accessories reflects the artist's skill in realism. Józef Simmler was a Polish painter known for his portraits and historical scenes. This particular work, painted in the 1830s, showcases the societal norms of the time, particularly the role of women in military families. An interesting fact about this painting is that it not only represents a personal likeness but also serves as a historical document of the era's fashion and social hierarchy.
Simmler's ability to blend personal and historical elements makes this portrait significant.
More Artworks by Józef Simmler

Man resting on a bed
Józef Simmler

Mountain landscape
Józef Simmler

Nude studies for the figures of Jaśko of Tęczyn and the man standing behind him for the painting ‘Queen Jadwiga’s Oath’
Józef Simmler

Half-length figure of a boy in profile to the left
Józef Simmler

Half-length figure of young man in a hat
Józef Simmler

Sketch of a nude male
Józef Simmler

Studium rzeźby ‘Wenus Medycejska’
Józef Simmler

Study of Both Hands of the Bishop for the Painting ‘The Oath of Queen Jadwiga’
Józef Simmler

Study of female nudes to figures of three Marys for the painting ‘Three Marys’
Józef Simmler

Nude male study to the painting ‘King David playing the harp’
Józef Simmler






