XVIII-XX a. medaliukai su šv. Kazimiero atvaizdu
LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Atlaidai; Ikonografija; Medaliai; Religiniai medaliukai; Šv. Kazimieras; Šv. Kazimiero kultas; Šventieji; For rejoicing; Iconography; Lithuania; Medallions; Religious medals; Saint Casimirus; Saints; Sv. Casimir cult.
ENThe medallions that attest to the dissemination of the cult of St. Casimir are not numerous, despite the fact that we are discussing a period of three hundred years. Marian themes are characteristic to the medallions, whereas the images of Christ and the saints are less frequently juxtaposed with that of the Prince. The earliest - 18th century - medallions present two iconographic compositions of the princely Saint. In the medallions of the first composition the Patron of Lithuania is represented standing, wearing ducal attire and crown and holding cross and lilies in his hands. These medallions were commissioned and worn by the Dominican friars, whose provinces in Lithuanian and Poland declared St. Casimir their patron in the 18th century, as well as by the Jesuits whose concern was the canonisation of St. Casimir and the promotion of his cult. The medallions of the second composition represent Sts. Casimir and Stanislas, the patrons of Lithuania and Poland, thus conveying traditional confessional ties of both nations and marking the expression of their piety. 18th century medallions produced by the Italian makers are more massive and have greater artistic value than many later ones. 19th and early-20th century medallions are already produced by the Lithuanian and Polish, as well as perhaps German craftsmen. It is difficult to identify their makers through the existing monograms. Polish and Lithuanian inscriptions begin to appear. Despite the diversity of authors, the style and composition in which most of the medallions of this period are executed are similar.They are dominated by the static and symbolical figure of the Patron of Lithuania. Technical innovations facilitated and expanded the possibilities of mass-reproduction of medallions. On the other hand, the factors that determined the diversity of thematic subjects, such as the expansion of the cult of holy places in Lithuania and Poland, encouraged the creation of medallions adorned with those images of Our Lady and Our Lord that were famous for their miraculous favours. Thematically these medallions can be grouped into Polish and Lithuanian ones. It is noteworthy that the medallions of the latter group sought mutually to connect, and to stress the importance of, the principal sacred objects in Vilnius, the city of St. Casimir, such as Our Lady of Aušros Vartai (Ostra Brama) and Our Lord of Šnipiškės. The medallions also marked various events linked with the history of the Church and various anniversary dates of St. Casimir. Thus the medallions are not only valuable and interesting works of the sacred art, but also represent monuments of the history of the Church. [From the publication]
