Aušros Vartai ir Švč. Marijos Gailestingumo Motinos paveikslas

LTVilniaus Aušros Vartai — garsi istorinė ir religinė Lietuvos sostinės vieta. Apie Vartus ir jų puošybą parašyta daug straipsnių, išleista brošiūrų ir monografijų1. Stebuklais garsėjančios Švč. Marijos Gailestingumo Motinos paveikslo dėka ilgainiui jie tapo žinomi ne tik Lietuvoje, bet ir daugelyje pasaulio šalių.

ENVilnius Aušra Gate — a very famous historical and religious place of the capital of Lithuania. The construction of gate was planned on a privilage of 1503 by the Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland Alexander. At the beginning the gate was called Medininkai, Kreva’s and later - Aštrieji or Aušra Gate. According to the tradition of the Middle Ages, the gate was decorated by two paintings: outdoors was depicted the fresco of the Savior of the universe - and from the town’s side, the figure of Virgin Mary was painted on the oak boards. It was mentioned by many researchers, that after declension of those paintings, new were painted. The monastery of Discalced Carmelites moved near the Aušra Gate in 1626 and the first wooden chapel to glorify the painting “The Blessed Virgin Mary” was built in 1671. The painting was decorated with silver dress of Vilnius goldsmith’s work. In 1675 Vilnius Jesuit Academy made its choise to be the Blessed Virgin Mary as a guardian. Even than the painting was well-known as a miraculous, though the oldest between the hung votas was marked 1671. The wooden chapel was burned down in Vilnius fire in 1715. Than (about 1719) was reconstructed and acquired the dress of neoclassicism. The very same we see it at pesent.We can say nothing about the author of painting and about its miraculous beginning — there is no news in chronicles and archives. Only source of history of painting - the Carmelite monk Hilaris’ “Relacya”, i.e. report “about miraculous painting in Vilnius in Aštrieji Gate...“ The Blessed Virgin Mary” painting was not researched because of silver setting, were seen only arms and face. In 1927 was given a permission by the Pope Pijus XI to coronate the painting with the crown confering a title of the “Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy”, the first research and conservation works were done. The second time it was researched, restored and conservated July and August of 1993, preparing to meet the Pope Jonas Paulius II. Comparing the last research with Polish scientists’ data it was stated, that “The Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy” painting (200 X 163 cm) was painted in oil on 8 joined oak boards in the beginning of the 17th c. It precisely repeats the Netherlands engraving, according to the Flamish Martin de Vos (1532-1603) educated on the backgrounds of Italian art, drawing “The Blessed Mary” is represented in half figure without child, with head a bit turned to the right and crossed her arms. A silhouette of elegant lines is privailing, a bit lengthened proportions. The face and arms are softly shaped. All architectonics imparts an impression of monumentality and allows to discuss that it might be raised high and seen very clear from the distance. Probably it was painted especially for that gate.Iconographically — the Blessed Virgin Mary is shown in the painting from the sceen of the Annunciation but the general temper is nearer chosen to the theme of Taking of the Cross. The author of creative work is a very talanted unknown artist. We see in painting the eternal life, suffering of the Blessed Mary; the self-possession and reconcilation radiates the hope of Solace. The painting of Aušra Gate becomes a very close to those who cry for help in sore hour, who look for fortitude and reconcilation in testing of patience sent by God. The Aušra gate miraculous painting “The Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy” became the symbol of rebirth, revival and strong will of Lithuania.