Brigita Zorkienė (Vilnius University Library, Lithuania)
The Jesuits, aiming to actively contribute to the development of European culture, education, and printing, used art as one of their methods. There is no doubt about the Jesuits’ significant influence on the evolution of architecture, sculpture, and visual arts. They also began to use visual arts to spread religious knowledge, teach catechism, and provide pastoral care. The publication of illustrated Jesuit books was on a large scale—newly emerging possibilities in print, cooperation with printers, the highest-caliber artists and sufficient financial resources allowed them to publish books characterized by the relationship between text and image. The Jesuits used images to enhance the impact of their books; these illustrations were functional—visuals helped to spread the teachings of God by presenting what could not be fully expressed in words.
The origins of Vilnius University Library are directly linked to the founding of the Jesuit College in 1570, and later, to the University’s development from 1579 onward. The library in Vilnius fully conformed to the standards of Jesuit libraries—its foundation consisted of books essential for preparing lectures, studying, and strengthening faith. Within the context of pastoral activity, the library was supplemented with works by Jesuit authors, in which illustration and text formed not only a composite artwork but also served as a tool for the pastoral care of the faithful.
This presentation aims to discuss the richly illustrated books preserved in Vilnius University Library, their significance for the Jesuits and broader society, and their other unique features.