Sigismund Augustus’ Symbol of Love. Diptych with the portraits of Elizabeth and Barbara

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania presents an international exhibition featuring a unique personal relic of Sigismund Augustus (1520–1572) – a portable altar with portraits of both his wives, Barbara Radziwill (1522/1523–1551) and Elizabeth of Habsburg (1526–1545).

The love story of Sigismund Augustus and Barbara Radziwill is one of the most romantic historical tales, which has inspired numerous works of fiction, musical compositions, paintings, and films. It is believed that the diptych was created in Vilnius or Kraków, most likely at the private expense of Sigismund Augustus, and probably already after the passing of the ruler’s second wife Barbara in 1551. Over time, a legend arose that Sigismund Augustus never parted with this precious diptych until the very end of his life.

More information: https://bit.ly/augustus-diptych