Permanent exhibition "The most beautiful towns of Western Europe, their mansions and parks in the collections of the Lithuanian Art Museum"

The collection of prints from foreign countries of the Lithuanian Art Museum abounds in views of different European towns with strong focus on panoramas, characteristic architectural ensembles and natural motifs. Of exceptional scenic beauty are town landscapes created in the middle of the 18 th century in England by John (1701–1779) and Thomas (1712–1767) Bowles from the three-generation of engravers and publishers. A water colour tinted series of etchings composed of some of the most impressive perspective views of central Europe is attributed to the burin of these artists. The series features panoramas of London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Florence and other towns, highlights examples of the stylish historical architecture and renders marvellous details of buildings, and the townsfolk engaged in their daily occupations. The exhibition is expanded by the tinted etchings by the British John Donowell (1723–1793), offering the image of suburban villas and a panorama of London. The exhibited compositions by the British masters are dominated by a clear and detailed drawing, graceful and smooth cutting, attention to style and ornateness as well as the universally recognized taste. The engravings created in the new classical style seem to transport us to the remote historical period when the graphic arts in England were elevated to the new level, the engravings were greatly fancied for, bought and accumulated in private collections, in many a home library. The townspeople who collected the sets of prints showing views of foreign countries thus satisfied their constant thirst for new knowledge and travel; similar albums of views were extremely popular in all layers of society.

Ilona Mažeikienė

​

Radvila Palace Museum of Art,
24 Vilniaus st, LT-01402, Vilnius, Lithuania
+370 5 250 5824