The bust of Zamojski, shown in armour and a draped ermine-lined cloak, was part of the Royal Castle’s historic collections. Alongside the sculptures of Chronos and Fame, as well as a series of bronze busts of famous Polish personages and the painted decoration, it constitutes the iconographic scheme for the Knights’ Hall which was furnished in the years 1781–6 and was intended to commemorate distinguished individuals as well as glorious events in Polish history. The sculpture is one of four so-called great portrait busts. Zamojski’s facial features are reminiscent of a known portrait painted by Marcello Bacciarelli (in the National Museum in Warsaw), painted c. 1781–6, thus contemporaneous with the sculpture. In the painting he is shown in a fur-lined coat, kontusz and shirt with a turned down collar. The bust was repeated in various materials. The National Museum in Warsaw has a marble version of the sculpture while the Diocesan Museum in Zamość, Kórnik Castle and the Zamoyski Museum in Kozłówka have bronze versions; they were probably all made in the 2nd half of the 19th century in Charles Christofle’s studio in Paris. Signed by the bronze founder IOHANN EHRENFRIED / DIETRICH / GOSS MICH IN WARSCHAU / 1782 on back, under the bust. Inscribed IOANNES: ZAMOYSKI / + MDCV. in gold letters on front of base. Jan Zamojski of the Jelita coat of arms (1542–1605). Son of Stanisław and Anna née Herburt. Statesman, politician and military commander, Chancellor of the Crown from 1578, Crown Great Hetman from 1581. One of King Stefan Báthory’s closest aides; during his reign he was in charge of home and foreign affairs. He established the Zamojski entail.