Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, Nemunas valley

Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876 -1966)
[Nemunas valley]
1943, map, al. 17,5 × 27
Signed. AD: AŽ / 43
Inventory number: R 2643

Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876-1966) was one of the most famous Lithuanian artists, cultural figures and promoters of national art. Born in Seiriiai, he studied in Warsaw and Paris, took part in Lithuanian art societies, organised the first Lithuanian art exhibitions, and actively contributed to the formation of Lithuanian cultural life at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1906 he was one of the founders of the Lithuanian Art Society. In 1920, he returned to Lithuania and became a lecturer at the Lithuanian Art Institute, created state posters and stage design, participated in cultural politics, and was very active in society.
His work is dominated by landscapes, especially of the Dzūkija and Kaunas areas, as well as portraits, still lifes, graphic works and posters. Žmuidzinavičius' paintings are characterised by a realistic style, bright colours and a lyrical relationship with nature. He was famous as a collector, who created a huge collection of folk art and later a unique collection of devil sculptures, from which the Devil Museum in Kaunas was formed.
Žmuidzinavičius is considered to be one of the most important creators and organisers of professional Lithuanian art, whose work and activities contributed significantly to the foundation of modern Lithuanian culture.