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Completed

Jan Styka's "Vytautas's Oath" Painting Exhibition at Royal Łazienki Museum

This special display commemorates Poland-Lithuania diplomatic relations through a significant work of historical art.

The Royal Łazienki Museum invites visitors to delve into the artistic and historical context of Jan Styka's epic painting, "Vytautas's Oath." Created in 1901, this monumental artwork powerfully depicts Duke Vytautas and glorifies a key moment in Lithuanian history. It also thoughtfully marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and Lithuania. Explore the rich symbolism and narrative behind this significant cultural artifact.

About Exhibition of the painting "Vytautas's Oath" by Jan Styka at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Exhibition of the painting "Vytautas's Oath" by Jan Styka at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw

Exhibition summary

This exhibition at the Royal Łazienki Museum showcases Jan Styka's monumental painting "Vytautas's Oath", created in 1901. The work depicts Duke Vytautas and glorifies Lithuanian history, with the burning Kaunas Castle in the background. The exhibition marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and Lithuania.

Curatorial context

The Royal Łazienki Museum presents "Vytautas's Oath" by Jan Styka, a monumental painting from 1901 that celebrates the historical figure of Duke Vytautas, Grand Duke of Lithuania. The artwork, created in Paris, depicts the duke surrounded by key figures of the Gediminid dynasty against the backdrop of the burning Kaunas Castle, symbolizing resistance against the Teutonic Knights. This exhibition, organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Poland-Lithuania diplomatic relations, delves into the painting's artistic and historical context, comparing its symbolic significance to Jan Matejko's "Battle of Grunwald." Despite historical inaccuracies in its portrayal of clothing and figures, the painting serves as a powerful symbol of Lithuanian heroic history and Grand Duke Vytautas's legacy. The work by Jan Styka, a renowned Polish battle painter, was created over a year and is celebrated for its depiction of Duke Vytautas, an influential leader in Lithuanian and regional history. The painting is a significant cultural artifact, previously housed in the Vytautas the Great War Museum in Kaunas. The exhibition provides insight into Styka's broader artistic contributions, including his work on "Panorama of the Battle of Racławice," and highlights the historical and national traditions connecting Poland and Lithuania through their conflicts with the Teutonic Order.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is accessible from Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 16:00 and from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission in November is free as part of the "Free November" campaign.

Exhibition of the painting "Vytautas's Oath" by Jan Styka key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Exhibition of the painting "Vytautas's Oath" by Jan Styka at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw

Venue
Royal Łazienki Museum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Sep 9, 2021 – Nov 14, 2021
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features the monumental painting "Vytautas's Oath" by Jan Styka (1858–1925), a famous Polish battle painter.
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