This is one of the oldest, most influential and richest noble families that had the title of counts. After being educated, distinguished by excellent artistic taste and leaving Lithuania the most valuable heritage of the Baroque era, the Pacas at one point even became the de facto rulers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, continuing the tradition of safeguarding and strengthening Lithuanian statehood. Due to its exceptional role in the history of Lithuania, this family can be compared with the princes Radvilas or Sapiegos.
According to one of the curators of the opened exhibition, Dr. Vydas Dolinskas, “we did a great job. We have been preparing the exhibition dedicated to the history and heritage of Paci for three years. With this project, we continue the tradition of presenting the most prominent and valuable historical families of Lithuanian nobles. in 2012 the exhibition was received by the princes of Sapiego, five years ago – by the princes of Radvila.
The exhibition organized for the Counts Pacs is distinguished by the fact that it presents the 19th century. an extinct noble family. So there was no one left to take care of the heritage of the ancestors, to continue accumulating collections, to shape the image of the family. Therefore, the exhibition dedicated to the Pacs makes sense of the merits of the once great but extinct noble family, their unique heritage”.
Exhibits were lent to the exhibition by a record number of owners – more than fifty institutions and private collectors from Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, and more than ten institutions from Lithuania, Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Turkey provided visual material.
Counts Paca are influential guardians of the state of Lithuania
At the exhibition, you can familiarize yourself with the newly created genealogical tree of Pacai. Their desire to consolidate their power and glory in Lithuania is evidenced by their legend that the Paci are descended from the ancient Romans. In the exhibition, you can get acquainted with the Paci themselves from the 17th-18th centuries. created by manuscript genealogy schemes, coats of arms, St. Carmelite of Florence, who was considered a relative of Paci. Portrait of Maria Magdalena de Paci.
In the history of the Lithuanian state, the Pacas often distinguished themselves as insightful politicians and diplomats, talented military leaders, pious supporters of the Church, generous art patrons, and skillful landowners. Paci’s ancestors appeared in the political elite as early as the 15th century. in the first half, and the influence and fame of his family in Lithuania reached the peak in the 17th century. As many as eighteen times the Pacas had become senators of Lithuania and Poland, eleven times they occupied the posts of ministers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, twenty one times they were appointed high dignitaries of the Lithuanian state and even five representatives of the family were bishops, eleven women and men of the family took the path of consecrated life!
The most prominent person of the Pacas family – the great chancellor of Lithuania Kristupas Zigmantas Pacas, who was called the “Teacher of Lithuanian Gentlemen” – will be remembered in the exhibition by a unique print that could be compared to the insignia of the rulers. This nobleman, seeking the independence of the Lithuanian state, in 1673 convinced the Seimas that every third Seimas of the Republic of Both Nations should be held in Lithuania.
The chivalry and military campaigns of another great statesman – the great hetman of Lithuania Mykolas Kazimieros Paco – are evidenced in the exhibition by the mace associated with him, the army treasury chest, the trophy army drum litaur brought home after the war with the Turks, the hussar’s half-armors with ornate feathers, the privileges granted. Almost all known portraits of the most prominent representatives of the Paci family were collected – this was extremely difficult to do, because relatively few of them have survived.
A family famous for its education and excellent artistic taste
According to the main curator of the exhibition, Polish art historian prof. skilled Dr. Annas Sylwios Czyż, “The Pacai were one of the most educated families, employing artists such as the Italian painter Michelangelo Palonis, and this set them apart from other families of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The education and artistic taste of Paci are evidenced by the architectural heritage that has survived to this day, luxurious, skillfully executed symbols of faith and piety, sacred art treasures donated to churches”.
17th century the “golden generation” of the second half of the Paci financed such buildings as the Pažaislis Kamalduuli monastery with a church, Vilnius St. Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul, sent gifts to Vilnius Cathedral, St. Casimir’s Church. The exhibition exhibits luxurious liturgical vestments decorated with Pacai emblems, vessels created by famous goldsmiths, and religious paintings. Images of the most important ecclesiastical foundations of Pacai are shown next to it, as well as a model of the Pažaislis ensemble, comparable to the Spanish Escorial. According to ASCzyż, works of special historical and artistic value allow us to talk about a unique “Pacs Baroque era” in Lithuania.
For the first time in almost two hundred years, as many as five heraldic tapestries, which were ordered by the Great Hetman of Lithuania and Vilnius Voivode Mykolas Kazimieras Pacas, have been collected and displayed in one place. And the painful fate of the collections of the Paci Palace that were looted, vandalized and stolen by Russia is reminded by the empty picture frames and small images of the Paci portraits hidden in Smolensk.
Fragments of the art collection accumulated by the last male representative of the Pac family – General Count Ludvikos Mykolas Pac – are exhibited here: antique relics, paintings by famous artists, sculptures. He inherited the wealth of his family, was famous as a patron and collector, built luxurious residences in Dauspuda and Warsaw, but due to his participation in the 1831 in the uprising against Russia, he was forced to emigrate, and the count’s property was confiscated…
In total, the exhibition features almost 300 exhibits: paintings, graphics, sculptures, textiles, goldsmithing and other works of applied art, drawings and projects, old photographs, authentic documents and old prints, weapons and armor, other historical relics from Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian museums. , libraries, archives, churches, monasteries, private collections.
According to Grzegorz Niemczykas, the representative of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Poland, the co-organizer of the exhibition, “it is not easy to talk about our common history, we also have difficult topics – they are worth talking about, exchanging ideas, but the history of Poland and Lithuania is primarily a story about attempts to create a community of nations. Cultivating the memory of such families as the Pac family provides an opportunity to understand the destinies of all the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe. There are many pages of history that are worth discovering and telling, so we are happy to join the initiatives of the House of Lords Museum.”
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**Interview with Dr. Vydas Dolinskas, Curator of the Paca Family Exhibition**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dolinskas. The exhibition dedicated to the Counts Pacas sounds fascinating. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired this extensive project?
**Dr. Dolinskas**: Absolutely! The Counts Pacas are one of Lithuania’s most historically significant noble families, known for their artistic contributions and political influence. After three years of research and curation, we aimed to highlight their role in safeguarding Lithuanian heritage, particularly during the Baroque era. This exhibition is a continuation of our series that celebrates the contributions of noble families to Lithuanian history.
**Editor**: You mentioned that this family has been extinct since the 19th century. How does that impact the way their history is presented in this exhibition?
**Dr. Dolinskas**: The absence of direct descendants means there isn’t anyone actively maintaining their legacy. This exhibition serves to honor and preserve the memory of the Paca family’s rich heritage. We’ve compiled various documents, portraits, and artifacts through generous loans from over fifty institutions and collectors, showcasing their unique contributions to Lithuania’s culture and statehood.
**Editor**: The Paci’s influence in politics and culture is quite remarkable. Can you share some examples of their contributions that are featured in the exhibition?
**Dr. Dolinskas**: Sure! The exhibition highlights several prominent figures like Kristupas Zigmantas Pacas, who advocated for Lithuanian independence in the 17th century, and Mykolas Kazimieros Pacas, known for his military leadership. We have unique prints, military insignia, and even luxurious liturgical vestments that illustrate their multifaceted roles in society.
**Editor**: It’s evident that the Pacai had a profound appreciation for art and education. Can you elaborate on how this is represented in the exhibition?
**Dr. Dolinskas**: The Pacai were indeed known for their artistic patronage. We have works from artists like Michelangelo Palonis on display and artifacts from the many churches they supported, such as the Pažaislis Monastery. The exhibition captures the essence of what we call the “Pacs Baroque era,” showcasing both architectural achievements and exquisite religious art.
**Editor**: What do you hope visitors will take away from this exhibition?
**Dr. Dolinskas**: I hope visitors come away with a deeper understanding of the Pacas’ significant contribution to Lithuanian history and culture. It’s a chance to appreciate the complexities of their legacy and recognize how their artistic and political endeavors shaped the nation we know today.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Dolinskas. We’re excited to see the exhibition and learn more about the extraordinary history of the Counts Pacas.
**Dr. Dolinskas**: Thank you for having me! I look forward to welcoming everyone to the exhibition.
