Description
M.K. Čiurlionis. “Pilies pasaka” (Castle Fairy Tale). 1909. Original dimensions: 49.6 x 67.1 cm; Čt 6.
The motifs of the journey, the mountain, and the castle are recurring themes throughout the works of M.K. Čiurlionis. In this particular painting, these elements are woven into a singular, cohesive composition. A jagged mountain pierces the infinite expanse of the sky, its summit crowned by a walled castle. Within these ramparts, the artist depicts a procession ascending toward the heights.
Čiurlionis’s castles are never merely architectural structures; they serve as fortresses of our internal world, sheltering dreams, memories, or profound aspirations. They evoke the atmosphere of a dreamscape, where every element carries a hidden, symbolic meaning.
“The world is a vast canvas upon which we each leave our mark.” (M.K. Čiurlionis)
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911) was a visionary Lithuanian artist who left an indelible mark on both Lithuanian culture and the history of European Modernism. A painter, composer, and writer, he was a universal creator whose life spanned only 35 years, yet whose legacy remains immense. Creating at the crossroads of Symbolism and Modernism, Čiurlionis is internationally recognized as one of the pioneers of early abstract art. He was the first Lithuanian artist to synthesize music and painting into a singular artistic language; thus, his works are frequently described as “painted music.” His creations encapsulate the Lithuanian spirit, deeply rooted in the nation’s culture and the mystical beauty of its nature.
Created in collaboration with the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art.




