St Casimir
| Author: |
Franciszek Wacław Balcewicz  |
| Created: | 1749 |
| Material: | silk |
| Technique: | copper engraving |
| Dimensions: | 45 × 35 cm |
| Signature: | bottom inscription: Effigies S. CASIMIRI Regij Poloniae / et M.D.L. Principis cuius Corpus in / desinentibus Gratijs et Beneficijs claret / in Capella Regia arcis Vilnens: ad / excitandam et confovendam Sarma / ticae gentis devotionem, erga hunc / suum Principalem Patronum zelo, / cura et sumptu Illustrissimi Ex: / cellentissimi Reverendissimi Do / mini Antonij Comitis TYSZKIE: / WICZ Episc: Samog: Praepositi et Capellae / sculpta et excussa Anno Dñi 1749. Signed, bottom left: Franc. Węcesł: Balc. Sculp. Vilnae Label with inscription on the back: Tadeusza / Perkowskiego [...] |
Franciszek Wacław Balcewicz (mentioned in 1742–1760), an engraver from Vilnius, was commissioned to make a print by Antoni Dominik Tyszkiewicz, the Bishop of Žemaitija. The bishop was a praepositus of St Casimir’s Chapel in Vilnius Cathedral, and in 1752 he published the book ‘The Royal Way to Heaven’ about the life and faith of St Casimir. This print by Balcewicz was included in the book. The image in the collection is printed on silk. It is in the Late Baroque style, and is rich in detail. St Casimir is standing against a background showing Vilnius Cathedral and the castles, and is trampling on symbols of royal power, and Cupid, the god of earthly love. He is holding a lily and a cross, symbols of faith and chastity. St Michael the Archangel, the Prince of the Heavenly Host, is holding out to him the insignia of Heavenly power on a cushion.
Text author Dalia Vasiliūnienė
Source: Law firm Valiunas Ellex art album HEAVEN AND BEYOND (2016). Compiler Dalia Vasiliūnienė. Text authors Dalia Vasiliūnienė, Skaidrė UrbonienėExpositions: “Heaven and Beyond. Works of religious art from the collection of Rolandas Valiūnas and the law firm Valiunas Ellex“, 31 May–24 September 2016, Church Heritage Museum, Vilnius (curators Dalia Vasiliūnienė, Skaidrė Urbonienė) "Vilnius Time", 5 June 2023 – 1 May 2024, Lithuanian Art Centre TARTLE (Užupio St. 40, Vilnius). Curators Ieva Burbaitė and Emilija Vanagaitė.
