Published: 20251030
A longing stronger than death became the impetus for the most famous séance in Lithuanian history. On May 8, 1551, Barbora Radvilaitė, the wife of Sigismund Augustus, died. Suddenly bereaved of his beloved, the grieving ruler longed to see her one more time. Among the magicians, astrologers, and alchemists summoned was Jan Tvardovskis, who promised the king that he would bring back the spirit of his beloved.
On the eve of the séance, Tvardovskis warned Sigismund Augustus not to get up from his chair during the ritual. Halfway through the mysterious ceremony, the image of the beautiful Barbara appeared in the mirror, shrouded in mist. Sigismund Augustus was overcome with longing and, ignoring the magician's warning, rushed to embrace his wife. Tvardovskis barely managed to restrain the king, and Barbara's spirit disappeared forever...
Wojciech Gerson, The Appearance of Barbara Radziwiłł, 1886. National Museum in Poznań
