Published: 20260709
Date:
2026-07-06
Photographer:
M. Kaminskas and V. Abramauskas
The Palace of the Grand Dukes has opened an international exhibition titled “Sigismund Augustus’ symbol of love. The portrait diptych of Elizabeth and Barbara”. At the exhibition, visitors can view exceptional 16th-century paintings depicting the two wives of Sigismund Augustus, Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland – Elizabeth of Habsburg and Barbara Radziwiłł.
The love story of Sigismund Augustus and Barbara Radziwill is one of the most romantic historical tales, which has inspired numerous works of fiction, musical compositions, paintings, and films. It is believed that the diptych was created in Vilnius or Kraków as a private relic of Sigismund Augustus, intended to commemorate his second wife, Barbara, who died in 1551. Over time, a legend arose that Sigismund Augustus never parted with this treasure until the very end of his life.
The diptych was brought to the Palace of the Grand Dukes from the Czartoryski Collection at the National Museum in Kraków, Poland. The exhibition will be open until December 6, 2026.
