Kanutas Ruseckas (1800–1860) was a prominent 19th-century Lithuanian painter, renowned for his mastery of landscape and portrait genres.
He was one of the few artists of his time who had the opportunity to study abroad, spending a decade honing his craft in France and Italy. While living in Rome, Ruseckas became interested in genre painting, capturing scenes from everyday life. During his travels, he sketched and painted Italian peasants, reflecting a growing fascination with rural themes.
Upon returning to Lithuania and journeying through his homeland, the artist created numerous drawings portraying Lithuanian folk life, festivals, and traditions. These sketches later formed the basis of a notable series of paintings. Ruseckas is also regarded as a pioneer in Lithuanian art for his work in the animalistic genre.
He gained particular acclaim for his cycle of paintings depicting distinctive types of Lithuanian folk characters, along with the customs and traditions of the Vilnius region. Notable works include The Reaper, Lithuanian Girl with Palm Sunday Fronds, and Evening Prayers at the Gate of Dawn Chapel.
The exhibition, on loan from the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, will be on display at the Chapel in Anykščiai (36 Vilniaus St.) throughout April and May. We warmly invite you to visit!
Click HERE to learn more about the artist.
