The First Parliament in Łęczyca, from the series “History of Civilization in Poland”

Matejko's depiction of the First Parliament in Lecczyca commemorates one of the earliest documented assemblies of Polish nobles and clergy, traditionally dated to around 1180, a foundational moment in the development of Polish representative institutions. By illustrating the deep roots of Polish parliamentary culture, Matejko countered narratives that portrayed Poland as historically ungovernable — justifications used by the partitioning powers. The panel insists that Poland had developed sophisticated political institutions centuries before the partitions, and that this tradition of representative governance was central to Polish civilization.

Medieval ecclesiastical and noble costume is rendered with Matejko's usual archaeological care. The compositional arrangement suggests a formal assembly — hierarchically organized figures in an architectural setting. The palette emphasizes dignified earth tones punctuated by liturgical colors.