Spirit of the Old Vilnius in Etchings by Petras Repšys

Petras Repšys is one of the most historical contemporary artists because he fundamentally raises questions to the past in his works of art. He incorporates the present into the continuous course of history, and alternatively brings the past up-to-date making it an actual phenomenon of the present. One of the most historical works of art by Petras Repšys is the series of etchings “The Old Vilnius” (1987-1993). History becomes unavoidable here – contemporary Vilnius is shown as a little bit shabby and a little bit misty, however still a proud city. Petras Repšys uses the most subtle graphic technique. He consciously awakens the past in the beauty of the shapes of the old buildings like the Church of St. Archangel Michael or that of Augustines when he takes them out of the grey of the everyday. His Gate of Subaciaus looks like a vision somewhere in the clouds while the historical roads remind us of lives of those who walked these ways in the past.

 

Alfredas Bumblauskas

 

 

After seeing Jerusalem, New York, or Venice I hurry back home to Vilnius, because it is the only city where I wish and manage to live. I haven’t seen a Madonna more beautiful than that of the Ostra Brama. People leave Vilnius only because of a serious reason – disaster or fatality. Vilnius remains beautiful despite damages of war, post-war reconstruction or even invasion of the modern construction. Important evidence of the beauty of the city is historical images by numerous authors overlived by the city. Through my window I can see Gediminas castle, the Three crosses surrounded by the hills, and Bernardine garden. I can see them in all seasons.

Petras Repšys