Renowned historians and art scholars on power and image in portraits of Lithuanian rulers

Historian Dr. Darius Baronas (Institute of Lithuanian History), art historians Prof. Dr. Giedrė Mickūnaitė (Vilnius Academy of Arts) and Prof. Tojana Račiūnaitė (Vilnius Academy of Arts), and art and church historian Prof. Irena Vaišvilaitė (Vilnius University) at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. According to the researchers, in 15th-century portraits of rulers, the most important elements were the symbolism of authority and power as well as the monarchs’ regalia; however, over time, these canons of representation changed, and a realistic depiction of the ruler became increasingly important.

 

The discussion sought to identify the specific historical markers that can be discerned in portraits created during the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque, or the Enlightenment, linking them to the artifacts on display in the exhibition “Returning Heritage. Paintings Acquired in 2018–2025.” The discussion was one of the cultural program events accompanying the exhibition. The discussion was moderated by historian Dr. Ramunė Šmigelskytė-Stukienė.