This highly detailed historical painting depicts the election of a Polish king, teeming with a dense crowd of noblemen, soldiers, and clergymen in an 18th-century cobblestone square. The focal point features a central figure being lifted high by supporters, surrounded by individuals in ornate period attire, including long coats, tricorn hats, and flowing capes. To the left, a religious procession involves a canopy being carried above the heads of the crowd, while the right side shows soldiers and onlookers gathered in excitement.
The composition is busy and dynamic, framed by classical stone architecture in the background and punctuated by large, upright ceremonial flags in shades of blue, green, and red. The ground is a textured, uneven cobblestone surface. The perspective draws the eye across the sea of figures towards the back of the square, where a multi-story building stands under a sky filled with soft, warm daylight.
The colour palette is rich and earthy, dominated by deep browns, charcoal greys, and warm ochres, contrasted by the vibrant reds of the robes and the bright, fluttering fabric of the flags. The light appears to be diffused and late-afternoon, casting soft shadows that enhance the depth and complexity of the scene. The style is that of a grand 19th-century history painting, characterized by precise brushwork, realistic facial expressions, and a cinematic approach to narrating a significant political and social event.