The exhibition "Jacques Lipchitz. According to the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History, this marks the first time these modernist originals—valued at over 9 million euros—have been displayed in Lithuania, commemorating his 135th birth anniversary.
The Journey of Modernist Masterpieces
Transporting these 12 sculptures from Spain to Lithuania required stringent security protocols. Dr. Aivaras Poška, head of the exhibition department at the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History, noted that the collection’s owners mandated specific climate control, specialized truck chassis, and round-the-clock surveillance at all transit stops.
The exhibition showcases the physical process of creation, ranging from initial sketches to monumental public works. Curator Aušros Rožankevičiūtė describes the items as "originals of originals"—the primary plaster and terracotta models that bear the artist’s own touch. Some pieces, such as those held at the Druskininkai museum, even retain handwritten instructions from the artist, including the inscription "Fill with wax."
The exhibition includes the sculpture "Mother and Child" (1930), which Ieva Šadzevičienė noted is a premiere, as it was previously held in the funds of the Valencia Institute of Modern Art but never exhibited, making Lithuanian visitors the first in Europe to see it.
Vilnius: The Crucible of a Sculptor’s Vision
Jacques Lipchitz (1891–1973) often credited his time in Lithuania for his professional trajectory. After moving to Vilnius in 1906, the young artist attended evening classes at the local drawing school. According to Ieva Šadzevičienė, curator of the Samuel Bak Museum, the ornate interiors of Vilnius churches—specifically the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul—profoundly influenced his aesthetic.
Lipchitz himself once remarked, "I learned sculpture in the churches of Vilnius. They are still before my eyes. Sculpture then had to be white for me." This period in Vilnius served as the catalyst for his move to Paris in 1909, where he became a central figure of the avant-garde, working alongside artists like Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani.
Tracking the Evolution of Form
The exhibition segments the artist’s career into distinct stylistic phases. In Vilnius, visitors can view eight works that track his transition from early cubist experiments to the more organic, expressive forms of his later years.
- "Figure with Musical Instruments" (1923): This architectural relief is credited by curators as the work that launched Lipchitz into the global art scene.
- "The Prayer" (1943): Created during his wartime exile in the United States, this piece reflects the vulnerability and existential struggle of the era.
- "Joy of Orpheus" (1945): This work serves as a post-war response to the trauma of the 1940s, symbolizing hope and the return of life through music.
In Druskininkai, the four featured works—including the "Portrait of Raymond Radiguet" and "The Rape of Europe"—offer a more intimate look at his mastery of portraiture and mythological themes, set within the modest environment of his childhood town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the sculptures displayed in two different cities?
The exhibition is split between the Samuel Bak Museum in Vilnius and the Jacques Lipchitz Museum in Druskininkai to reflect the two cities that defined the artist’s youth and his eventual decision to pursue an international career.
How much are the exhibited works worth?
When does the exhibition close? The "Jacques Lipchitz.
Pro tip: When visiting, pay close attention to the large-format photographs accompanying the sculptures, which provide context for the monumental works Lipchitz installed in public spaces in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Jerusalem.
Are you planning to visit the exhibition in Vilnius or Druskininkai? Share your thoughts on how these modernist pieces resonate in their original homeland in the comments below.
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