John Galliano, the visionary and often controversial British fashion designer, is leaving Maison Margiela after a decade of groundbreaking work that helped shape the house into the avant-garde powerhouse it is today. His departure, announced by the brand's parent company, OTB Group, signifies the end of an era marked by constant innovation and personal redemption for Galliano, whose career had been deeply affected by scandal.
The recent rediscovery of royal artifacts buried for many years in the crypts of Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich and tumultuous history. These treasures, unearthed after being hidden during the chaotic periods of World War II, provide invaluable insights into medieval European traditions, royal customs, and the heritage of Lithuania.
Among the remarkable artifacts is the burial crown and insignia of Alexander Jagiellon, or Aleksandras Jogailaitis, who was both King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. Alexander, who lived from 1461 to 1506, played a significant role in shaping the region’s history. Also uncovered are the burial regalia of Elizabeth of Austria (Elžbieta Habsburgaitė), who lived between 1436 and 1505. Her burial set includes a crown, chain, medallion, ring, and coffin plaque, offering a unique perspective on the royal traditions of the time.
Another significant discovery includes the set of burial relics belonging to Barbara Radziwiłł (Barbora Radvilaitė), the wife of Sigismund II Augustus of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. She passed away in 1551, and her regalia, including a crown, scepter, orb, rings, chains, and coffin plaques, further exemplify the elite standards of craftsmanship and luxury from that period.
These items were not personal belongings but were specially created for burial, highlighting the reverence and dignity afforded to royalty in death. Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas remarked that the artifacts not only reflect Lithuania's statehood but also the role of Vilnius Cathedral as a necropolis for the region's elite.
Earlier excavations had already uncovered some of these treasures, particularly in 1931, when the cathedral was flooded, revealing a crypt containing the remains of several rulers. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the artifacts were hidden away for their protection, and subsequent efforts to recover them remained unsuccessful for decades. It wasn’t until early September 2024 that researchers decided to revisit the crypt, leading to a significant breakthrough. In December 2024, using modern technology such as endoscope cameras, the artifacts were finally discovered, preserved within the wrappings of newspapers from September 1939—a poignant reminder of the turbulent times during which they were concealed.
According to the Vilnius Archdiocese, which has been actively involved in the restoration process, these treasures carry immense symbolic meaning. As noted by Rita Pauliukevičiūtė, director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum, they represent not only Lithuania’s cultural heritage but also a connection to the wider European tradition. The artifacts embody funeral rites and cultural legacies from a bygone era, which will now be carefully studied and conserved for future exhibition.
Vilnius Archbishop Audrys Backis emphasized that these discoveries reaffirm the importance of the city’s history and cultural identity. The resurrection of these royal treasures after being hidden for so many years symbolizes the strength of Lithuania's past and the endurance of its heritage. The treasures, now resurfacing into the contemporary light, stand as enduring testaments to the might of history and the preservation of heritage against all odds.
