The story of the tragic love of King Zygmunt Augustus and Barbara Radziwill was very close to the artist. In the sketch, he gave the pair in love a resemblance to himself and his wife Theodora.
In the background, Mateyko placed a portrait of Queen Bona, an opponent of the union of Zygmunt and Barbara. Queen Bona as if watching the lovers.
Related Paintings
Zygmunt August y Barbara Radziwill – Jan Aloysius Matejko 
Sigmund August et Barbara Radziwill – Jan Aloysius Mateiko 
Battle of Grunwald by Jan Aloysius Matejko 
Blind Vit Stvosh with granddaughter by Jan Aloizy Matejko 
Prussian Tribute by Jan Aloiy Mateiko 
Portrait of Barbara Durer by Albrecht Durer 
Polish national costume by Jan Aloizy Matejko 
Hommage prussien – Jan Aloysius Matejko