A restored masterpiece returns to the Bernardine Church in Vilnius

VILNIUS - Oct. 4 was the day of a big cultural event in Lithuania, as well as a great day for the Church of St. Francis and St. Bernardine, called simply the Bernardine Church by everybody in Vilnius. On this day, the large-format (283 x 281.5 centimeter) painting “St. Bruno. The Miracle in the Church” was returned to the Bernardine Church, where everybody can now enjoy it. The painting was returned on the eve of the Catholic feast of St. Bruno, which is celebrated on Oct. 6. Cologne-born St. Bruno lived from 1030-1101.

The Bernardine Church was built in the 15th century. In 1949, during the Soviet occupation, it was closed down and was just an abandoned building for some years. Later, it was handed over to the Art Institute. Then the church was in poor condition (now it is restored) and the painting “St. Bruno. The Miracle in the Church” was devastated – the figures on the painting became almost invisible. Some parts of this masterpiece were stolen, having had some pieces cut off. In 1970, the remains of the painting were transported to the storage of the Lithuanian Art Museum.

It took seven years to restore the painting at the Pranas Gudynas Restoration Center of the Lithuanian Art Museum. “St. Bruno. The Miracle in the Church” was painted by Vilnius-based German-origin painter Johann Gotthard Berchhoff in 1674 on the order of the Lithuanian nobleman Leonas Bazilijus Sapiega. He is portrayed in the lower right corner and he is dressed in the Parisian-style fashionable clothes of 1670, although the painting pictures the events of 1080. One of the relatives of Sapiega is also portrayed in the painting, holding  pince-nez in his hands – these spectacles were the symbol of chic fashion of the 17th century and were affordable only by the families which were close to the very top of power of the Lithuanian state.
The Bernardine Church, which is located next to St. Anne Church (Napoleon was fascinated with the architecture of the latter), is an interesting piece of architecture. It was built in the Gothic style. During the short invasion by Russia into Vilnius in the middle of the 17th century, the Cossacks devastated it. During some decades after that war against Russia, when Lithuania’s control over its capital city was restored, the church was re-built and acquired some features of North European Renaissance and Baroque.

Now the church is run by a branch of the Franciscan monks called the Bernardines, who are known as very innovative and modern-style young men. During the Holy Mass in the Bernardine Church, young people sing U.S.-originated soul music. During Christmas time, there are live animals kept in one of the sections of the church to remind the congregation of the conditions of the birth of Jesus. The Bernardine Church is popular among young people and the intellectual Catholics of Vilnius.