Walenty Wańkowicz

Walenty Wańkowicz (1800-1842) came from an old noble family (Vankavičiai descended from Duke Vanka of Polotsk, who married the daughter of Kęstucis). He spent his childhood in the Kaluzhyts manor of Ihumen County, Minsk Governorate (now Belarus).  Rich and noble parents tried to give their children the best possible education. 1811-1816 studied drawing at the Polotsk Jesuit Academy with Jakūbs Pierling. in 1818 began studying at Vilnius University's Faculty of Literature and Fine Arts, where he studied drawing, painting, Polish, Latin, French literature, and German. He also attended classes at the graphics department. He was especially interested in lithography, the technique of which he mastered well. During his studies, the artist was friends with Adam Mickevičius and other members of the Philomat Society, but he did not participate in the society's activities, but belonged to the Philaret Society. While studying at VU, he began to participate in art exhibitions, where his works were awarded silver and gold medals. In 1825-1829, after receiving a scholarship from Vilnius University, he studied at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts in Petersburg. in 1829 The management of the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts recommended him to continue his studies abroad, but due to a lack of funds, he did not receive a VU scholarship, so he had to return to his homeland. in 1840 went abroad, visited Dresden, Berlin, Munich, Strasbourg, in 1841 At the invitation of A. Taujanskis, he came to Paris, and here, among other works, he painted a copy of the image of "Our Lady of the Dawn Gate" in the Paris St. Severin's church. Died in 1842 Paris, buried in Montmartre cemetery.