Stanislovas Kuzma, Mindaugas and Morta

Stanislovas Kuzma (1947-2012)
Mindaugas and Morta
2002, bronze, casting, h 38
Sign. A: ST. KUZMA / 2002

Stanislovas Kuzma (1947-2012) - one of the most famous Lithuanian professional sculptors of the second half of the 20th century - 21st century, in 1996 he was awarded the Lithuanian National Prize of Culture and Art.
The sculptural composition Mindaugas and Morta is a bronze model created for a competition to commemorate Mindaugas, the only crowned King of Lithuania.
The composition is an example of the artist's passionate interest in the Middle Ages and the history of the GDL, and pays considerable attention to the representation of royal figures. They are depicted seated on the throne at full height. The couple's heads are adorned with crowns, while Mindaugas holds a scepter and a ball with a cross. The royal regalia - the throne - has supports in the middle and on the sides (one of which is supported by Martha's hand). The sign of the cross and the allusion to the building can be seen in the middle support, or rather in its upper part. According to unconfirmed historical sources, Mindaugas built the first Christian church in the present Cathedral Square. Historical sources note that Martha was a fervent Christian, but she was concerned with her own interests and home, and that Martha and Mindaugas did not exactly share the same views. The figures look in the same direction, but Martha's body and gaze are different. Kuzma depicts the figures as if they are disconnected from each other, and at the same time reveals their communion.
The double portrait reveals not only the representational but also the features of modern sculpture. The surface texture of the bronze composition is lively, warm and vibrating. In the composition we recognise Kuzma's style - a characteristic type of elongated figure with a small head, a geometric rhythm of shapes that combines the composition in a plastic way. Some parts of the figure and details are treated in a naturalistic way, the geometric shapes of the body or clothing are emphasised more subtly than in other works.

Saulė Mažeikaitė-Teiberė