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European culture and common artistic heritage of Lithuania and Russia are important elements building the connection between the two countries, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius said on March 8th during the opening of the international exhibition of engravings “Portraits of Artists in Western European Engraving of the 16–18th Centuries” at Vilnius Picture Gallery. The exhibition from the State Hermitage Museum of Russia is adorned by portraits of Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, Jan van Eyck and portraits of other eminent Western European artists.

“Today, the creative heritage of such outstanding personalities has no borders. And this exhibition is proof that the strongest connectors between Saint Petersburg and Vilnius – between Russia and Lithuania – is and must be the European culture and common – inalienable and single – historical and artistic heritage,” Ažubalis said.

According to him, it was no coincidence that Lithuanian diplomats dedicated increasing attention to cooperation in the fields of cultural heritage protection and culture, but rather a deliberate decision.

“We give political support to joint cultural projects, because we hope and strive to provide foundation for a refined politics that is combined with culture. After all, Albrecht Dürer, whom I have mentioned before, once said: “If a man devotes himself to art, much evil is avoided that happens otherwise if one is idle,” the Minister said.

The exhibition at Vilnius Picture Gallery runs until 10 June.