A Watercolor From a Medieval 'Beauty Magazine'
Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas the Great and Grand Duchess of Lithuania Ona
Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas the Great and Grand Duchess of Lithuania Ona (16th Century) by Anonymous German artistNational Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Which 'beauty magazine'?
A 16th-century watercolor by an anonymous German artist depicting the full-length figures of Vytautas the Great and his wife Ona most probably comes from a manuscript book that contained images of many European rulers in their outfits.
A duke without a beard
Even though Vytautas the Great was a prominent figure whose influence was felt for a long time in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and his status was acknowledged by Europe's rulers, very few early images of him exist. All we know about his appearance is that he didn't have a beard.
First lady
Alongside Vytautas we see his first wife Ona. She showed a keen interest in political life and was known in European society at the time. It has been mentioned that in 1400, she visited Brandenburg, Aldenburg and Marienwerder. Grand receptions were held wherever she stayed.
Leather belt bag
A belt bag is a leather or textile work that could be hung off a belt, and was used to hold objects needed in daily life. Just like wallets are used nowadays.
Leather belt bag (14th Century) by UnknownNational Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Museum exhibit from the same century
Belt bags are usually discovered empty of any contents, or only fragments of them remain. This exhibit dating to the late 14th century is not only one of the oldest such items in Lithuania, it is also the only known belt bag to this day with items still inside.
Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas the Great and Grand Duchess of Lithuania Ona (16th Century) by Anonymous German artistNational Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Boots
The artifact found in a 14th-century cultural layer that is most similar to the boots depicted in the watercolor has a rougher shape, it does not reflect the elegant stylistics and characteristics of the Gothic period.
Leather shoe (Late 14th Century) by UnknownNational Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Museum exhibit from the same century
A whole leather shoe from the 14th century found within the territory of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in the Vilnius Lower Castle.
The pair of shoes (Late 13th Century) by UnknownNational Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Boots
Artifacts found in a 13th-century wooden building show that similar footwear was already known of and in use in Vilnius by then.
The remains of the shoes were found one placed inside the other –
probably so that the pair would not become separated or lost.
Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas the Great and Grand Duchess of Lithuania Ona (16th Century) by Anonymous German artistNational Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
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