Think, Dream And Discover With Digital Storytelling

2023-1-PL01-KA210-SCH-000159494

Jan Matejko stood before a large canvas. He held a brush in his hand and thought about the great battle. For many years, he wanted to paint this moment – the victory of Poland and Lithuania over the Teutonic Knights. He knew this picture had to convey power and chaos.

It was not easy. For months, he read books and studied history. He visited museums, looked at old armor and swords, and touched them. He wanted to understand how heavy they were. In his studio, he had a real helmet and breastplate. He wore them to see how light moved on the metal.

“I must show every detail,” he told his students. “This picture must be real history, not just a painting!”

He sat at his table and made many sketches. First, he drew knights, horses, the king, and the Teutonic master. Then, he created scenes of the battle. Sometimes, he was angry and threw the paper away.

When he started painting, he worked all day and night. He forgot to eat and sleep. His students and friends helped him. They dressed like knights and played fight scenes.

“This is not just a painting,” he said. “This must be a real battle!”

One of the biggest problems was showing movement. A battle is not quiet – it is full of action, fear, and noise. Matejko wanted people to feel the battle, to hear the swords and the shouts of soldiers.

Day after day, the canvas came to life. Here was the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Ulrich von Jungingen, just before he died. Here was the Lithuanian prince Vytautas, ready to fight. Polish knights rode into battle, surrounded by dust and death.

After many years, the painting was finished. Matejko stepped back and looked at his work. He knew it was special. When people saw it, they stood in silence, amazed.

Matejko smiled. He did it. The Battle of Grunwald was alive again.