[1] The debate on the topic of valorisation of Murat's work was led by Božidar Nikolajević, Simo Matavulj and Miloje Vasić.

[1] Simo Matavulj replied to Nikolajević and defended Murat's work, stating that he used historical records of Stojan Novaković and Ivo Vojnović, as well as archaeological research by Dragutin Milutinović and Mihailo Valtrović.

Miloje Vasić added to the controversy, noting the impossibility of combining a theme worthy of historical painting with modern painterly expressions.

[1] The painting was exhibited in the Serbian pavilion at the World's Fair in Paris in 1900,[2] where it received a positive reception and Murat was awarded a bronze medal.

Milan Kašanin and Dejan Medaković noticed the balancing of older traditions and academic postulates in action.