Jurgis Baltrušaitis ir menotyra tarpukario Lietuvoje

Abstract

This paper analyses the famous art historian Jurgis Baltrušaitis, educational, scientific and cultural activity period in Lithuania (1933–1939). The aim of the article is to analyse in detail Baltrušaitis’ pedagogical activity at Vytautas Magnus University and to evaluate his contribution to the interwar Lithuanian art research history. Although Baltrušaitis in Lithuania is not a forgotten personality, however, adequate attention to this period of his activity and its evaluation has not been given. This research expanded information about his pedagogical work at Vytautas Magnus University. It was found out that in the period of 1933–1939 his course “General History of Art” was devoted for the students of History department, General history group. He taught on art history from prehistoric period till 16th century and took a very wide geographical area. This famous art researcher discussed each period of art history in a very detailed and comprehensive way. He has never digressed from his scientific interest field. It is assumed that in this case he was passing interests of Lithuanian youth needs, because they have not even hadv the basis of art history. “General History of Art”, written by Baltrušaitis, was prepared on his lectures basis and published in two volumes in 1934 and 1939. This course book is a unique example of formalistic art research principles in Lithuanian interwar period. The book appeared in a context which clearly lacked elementary publications about Western European art history. The book of Ignas Šlapelis “Outlines on Art History”, published in 1930, or three volumes of Kazimieras Jasėnas’ book “General History of Art”, published in period of 1923– 1938, only partially upheld the needs of the persons who were interested in art history. The book of Šlapelis was written in a popular style, without references, citation and other scientific indications. [...]