The National Museum showcases XVII century tapestries belonging to powerful noble families, highlighting their heritage and status in the Polish-Lithuanian state.
The National Museum has unveiled a remarkable collection of 17th-century tapestries at the Palace Museum, originally belonging to the influential noble families of Wiśniowiecki and Sanguszko. A prominent feature of these tapestries is the combined coat of arms, which decorates the center of the upper border, symbolizing the families' prestigious lineage and their ambition to solidify their status within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
At the heart of the coat of arms is the Pahonia, the emblem of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, linking the Wiśniowiecki family to the Gediminas dynasty that once ruled over Lithuania. This lineage traces back to Grand Duke Gediminas' great-grandson, Kaributas Algirdaitis, reinforcing the narrative of a noble heritage intertwined with the history of the region. The tapestries are believed to have been crafted in France or Flanders, using wool and silk and belonging to the group of verdure tapestries that served decorative, representational, and practical purposes.
The exhibition features the three best-preserved tapestries from the royal collections of Wawel Castle, with plans for the remaining pieces to undergo restoration. This showcase not only honors the artistic craftsmanship of the era but also reflects the cultural significance of the noble families in shaping the history of Lithuania and its relationship with Poland.
