The soft, muted tones of Petras Kalpokas’ 1909 winter landscape have finally returned to the city where they were first conceived. After more than a century spent in the shadows of European history, this seminal work of Lithuanian Impressionism stands as the centerpiece of the 91st Vilnius Auction. The painting’s reappearance is more than a commercial event; it is the closing of a historical circle that began on the eve of the First World War.
The Long Journey of a 1909 Masterpiece
In 1914, Petras Kalpokas, one of the most influential figures in the development of Lithuanian fine art, selected this specific winter landscape as part of a collection of 120 of his finest works. The collection was sent to Germany for exhibition, intended to showcase the burgeoning talent of the Baltic region to a wider European audience. However, the outbreak of World War I effectively severed the artist’s connection to his work. While Kalpokas returned to his homeland, the painting remained in Germany, its whereabouts largely unknown to the Lithuanian public for decades.
Now, after a journey spanning over 110 years, the work has been repatriated. Its return to the Vilnius market marks a significant moment for collectors and historians alike. The painting, which carries an opening price of €15,000—the highest in the current auction—serves as a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage. It offers a rare glimpse into Kalpokas’ early mastery of light and atmosphere, captured during a period of intense creative transition.
A Curated Survey of Lithuanian Artistic Heritage
While the Kalpokas landscape is the undisputed star of the 91st auction, the collection of 120 lots provides a comprehensive overview of the Lithuanian art market from the early 20th century to the present day. The selection bridges the gap between the classical and the contemporary, featuring works by Kazimieras Stabrauskas—the mentor of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis—and Mstislavas Dobužinskis, whose 1923 lithograph “Portrait of a Traveling Woman” is among the early highlights.
The auction also features a significant photographic record of the region, most notably a collection of Vilnius photographs by Jonas Bulhakas dating from 1920 to 1940. These images provide a stark, monochromatic contrast to the vibrant mid-century works of Adomas Galdikas and Vytautas Kasiulis, whose pieces represent the creative output of the Lithuanian diaspora and the evolution of modernism within the country.
For those interested in the intersection of art and nature, Antanas Krištopaitis’ collection of 40 watercolor drawings of Lithuanian trees offers a meticulous and evocative study of the local landscape. Meanwhile, the contemporary section is bolstered by the return of Saulius Vaitkus, a rising star in the local market, alongside established names such as Rūta Katiliūtė and Mikalojus Povilas Vilutis.
Rare Bibliographic Treasures and Historical Texts
The 91st Vilnius Auction also marks the return of the bibliophile section, featuring one of the most significant linguistic artifacts in Lithuanian history: the 1824 translation of the Bible edited by Liudvikas Rėza. This volume was a cornerstone in the formation of the written Lithuanian language and remains a primary object of interest for historians and serious collectors of rare books. With an opening price of just €50 for some of the earliest 20th-century publications, the auction remains accessible to entry-level collectors while offering high-value rarities for the elite market.
Essential Information for Collectors
The collection is currently available for public viewing at the Kunstkamera gallery, allowing potential bidders to inspect the works in person before the hammer falls. Participation is open to both local and international bidders through various channels.
- Auction Date: 29 May 2026, at 18:00
- Location: Kunstkamera Gallery, Z. Sierakausko g. 15, Vilnius
- Public Viewing Hours:
- 26–28 May: 10:00 – 18:30
- 29 May: 10:00 – 14:00
- Participation Methods: In-person, online, via telephone, or by post.
- Catalog Access: The full collection of 120 lots, including detailed provenance for the Kalpokas landscape, is available on the official Menorinka website.
Source: BNS
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