This book is the first comprehensive retrospective of Vincas Svirskis’ (1835–1916) works. It consists of a digest of the god carver’s entire creative legacy. Photographs of the folk artist’s crosses and pillar shrines taken by Adomas Varnas and Balys Buračas are published in the book, giving readers the chance to appreciate and understand the uniqueness of Lithuanian cross-crafting. This is a part of both the Lithuanian rural and the national state identity. In 2008, cross-crafting, of which Vincas Svirskis is one of the most recognisable representatives, was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This book is a documented testimonial of the value of this unique phenomenon.
Compiled by Dr Margarita Matulytė
Publication of the book initiated by Vytautas Balčiūnas
Author of the introductory text Prof. habil. Dr Viktorija Daujotytė
Academic editor Dr Skaidrė Urbonienė
Reviewers: Dr Arūnas Gelūnas, Dr Margarita Janušonienė, Dr Jonas Mardosa
Designer Loreta Uzdraitė
Copy editor Leta Gaubaitė
Published by the Lithuanian Art Museum, 2019
Printed by “Petro ofsetas”
388 p.
25.7 x 20 cm
500 copies
