In 1764 the Commonwealth, ruled until recently by the Wettins, appeared to contemporaries as an economically backward state, with inefficient state institutions, a weak army and inefficient infrastructure. Its most important cities, including the capital, were neglected and lacked modern edifices to house the institutions necessary for the proper functioning of the state and the city. Warsaw's Royal Castle - the main residence of the new monarch - was in a similar state of neglect.

The beginnings of the royal collection date back to 1748, when the young Poniatowski purchased his first painting during a stay in Brussels. It was then that his fascination with the works of Rubens and van Dyck began, giving rise to a passion for collecting[1]. Even as king, he did not limit himself to collecting paintings, drawings and prints. Following the example of other monarchs whose residences and collections he had the opportunity to admire during his youthful travels in Europe, his collecting extended to all branches of art and science. He was equally committed to including sculpture, medals, numismatics and 'antiquities' in his collections, as well as maps, models of machines, physical and astronomical instruments or precious stones. A special place in the royal collection was occupied by the Cabinet of Engravings, which was his most personal collection, an object of pride and also a refuge in difficult moments of his reign.