Exhibition “Medieval Comics”

The “Medieval Comics” exhibition delves into the rich visual culture of the late Middle Ages, highlighting how people of that era interpreted images on tiled stoves much like modern comic books. These stove tiles feature a wide array of depictions, including noble coats of arms, scenes from the lives of saints, mythical creatures, allegories, and various aspects of courtly life such as hunting, knightly tournaments, and music-making.

The exhibition contextualizes the tiled stove as a significant late medieval innovation, developed in response to Europe's cooling climate in the thirteenth century. Initially appearing in the Alpine region, these functional heating devices evolved into important decorative elements, becoming accessible primarily to the wealthy nobility. The craft reached the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with little delay, with Gothic stove tiles found in Vilnius and Trakai bearing motifs similar to those in Poland, including state and dynastic coats of arms.

This international exhibition features artifacts from several esteemed institutions. Contributing collections include those from the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State in Gniezno and the National Museum in Kielce, as well as Lithuania's National Museum’s Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the National Museum of Lithuania, and the Trakai History Museum. The event is organized by the National Museum of Lithuania, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring meanings of medieval symbols and creatures in contemporary culture.