In the quiet rooms of the Kunstkamera gallery in Vilnius, a canvas from 1909 is preparing to go under the hammer, carrying with it a century of European history. Petras Kalpokas’ Winter Landscape, the centerpiece of the upcoming 91st Vilnius Auction, is more than just a study of light and snow; it is a survivor of the First World War and a symbol of the complex migrations of Baltic art.
Estimated at €15,000, the Kalpokas landscape is the most valuable lot in a collection of 120 works that span the breadth of Lithuanian creative output from the early 20th century to the present day. The painting’s provenance reads like a historical novel: in 1914, it was likely included in a prestigious collection of 120 works sent by the artist to Germany for exhibition. When the Great War erupted, the collection was stranded, and the Winter Landscape remained abroad for decades. Its return to Lithuanian soil marks a significant moment for collectors and historians alike.
A Century-Long Journey Home
The presence of the Kalpokas piece highlights a broader theme of the XCI Vilnius Auction: the resilience of cultural identity through periods of displacement. Kalpokas was a foundational figure in Lithuanian Impressionism and Realism, and his work serves as a gateway to an auction that meticulously charts the nation’s aesthetic evolution.
Joining the Kalpokas masterpiece are works by other pivotal figures, such as Kazimieras Stabrawski—the mentor to the world-renowned Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. Stabrawski is represented by a 1928 fragment of the Roman Colosseum, while Mstislav Dobuzhinsky, a figure well-known in both Russian and European avant-garde circles, is featured with his 1923 lithograph, Portrait of a Traveling Woman.
For international collectors, the inclusion of diaspora artists like the priest Pijus Brazauskas, who painted his Composer in 1943, provides a glimpse into the art produced by Lithuanians in exile. This is complemented by a rare collection of Vilnius photographs by Jan Bułhak (Jonas Bulhakas), dating from 1920 to 1940, which capture the city’s architectural soul during the interwar period.
From Classical Landscapes to Contemporary Pop Art
While the auction leans heavily into historical significance, it also provides a snapshot of the contemporary Lithuanian market. The collection features the “cream” of mid-to-late 20th-century art, including works by Adomas Galdikas, Vytautas Kasiulis, and Stasys Eidrigevičius. The latter is represented by his distinctive illustrations for Kazys Saja’s book, Behind the Unopened Door.
Modernity is further represented by Saulius Vaitkus, a rising star of the Lithuanian market who recently made a significant impact in previous auctions, and Benas Liandzbergis, whose pop-art compositions offer a sharp contrast to the traditional landscapes of the early century. One of the most unique offerings is a set of 40 watercolor drawings by Antanas Krištopaitis, documenting specific, named trees across the Lithuanian landscape—a fusion of botanical precision and artistic expression.
Rare Bibliographical Treasures
Beyond the canvas, the auction caters to bibliophiles with a selection of rare books and manuscripts. The most significant of these is the 1824 Bible translation edited by Liudvikas Rėza. This volume is considered a cornerstone of Lithuanian literacy and linguistic development.
With an average starting price of €1,256 per lot, the auction remains accessible to a range of buyers, from those seeking the €15,000 Kalpokas masterpiece to those interested in early 20th-century Lithuanian books starting at just €50. For the international community, the auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire works that have seldom left the Baltic region, or in the case of the Kalpokas, have only just returned.
Event Details and Participation
The 91st Vilnius Auction will be held on May 29, 2026, at 18:00 (EET) at the Kunstkamera gallery. International bidders can participate remotely via telephone, mail, or the gallery’s online platform.
- Auction Date: May 29, 2026, at 18:00
- Location: Kunstkamera Gallery, Z. Sierakausko g. 15, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Viewing Dates: May 26–28 (10:00–18:30) and May 29 (10:00–14:00)
- Digital Catalogue: Available at menorinka.lt
Original reporting by: bns
Source: BNS
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