Painting “Saviour of the World”

Built in the 16th century, the Vilnius city wall used to surround the entire area currently known as the old town until as late as the 19th century. Soon after its construction, it saw the addition of defence towers and ten brick gates. The Medininkai or Sharp gate (now called the Gate of Dawn), had an image of the Holy Virgin Mary on the wall facing the city, which later became famous as a source of heavenly grace and was moved to a newly-built chapel nearby, which was looked after by the Discalced Carmelites. The exterior side of the gate had a picture of the Saviour of the World painted on oak boards, welcoming travellers from Medininkai, Krevo or Lida, and protecting the city from outside enemies and misfortunes.

In the 18th century, the artwork was removed from the gate and relocated to the St Theresa Discalced Carmelite monastery. A new image of the Saviour was later painted directly onto the wall in its place. Today the painting "Saviour of the World" (Salvator Mundi in Latin) is kept in the Church Heritage Museum, and its copy is shown in the museum’s courtyard.

Painting "Saviour of the World" (Salvator Mundi)
Vilnius, early 17th century
Repainted in late 18th–early 19th century.





FUNDING FOR THE MUSEUM IS PROVIDED BY

Vilniaus Akivyskupija          
 
   

Informational sponsors

                   bernardinai.lt
         

Sponsors

       Domus Maria