Introduction to the Exhibition

Barbara Radziwiłł (1523–1551) was the youngest of three children born to Jerzy Radziwiłł (c. 1480–1541), Grand Hetman of Lithuania, known as "Hercules," and Barbara Kolanka (d. 1550). Her father, through his state service and military achievements, rose to prominence in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. From him descended the Radziwiłł line of Biržai and Dubingiai.

As was customary at the time, most of the Lithuanian magnate's estate was inherited by his son, Mikołaj, known as the Red, while the daughters received their dowries in cash and movable property. The elder daughter, Anna Elżbieta, married Piotr Kiszka, and later Prince Semen Holszański.

In 1537, at the age of 14, Barbara was married to Stanisław Gasztołd, the voivode of Nowogródek, who was 16 years her senior. The marriage was not born of love or personal affection, but was instead the result of dynastic politics among powerful noble families, aimed at consolidating wealth, influence, and prestige.

After five years of marriage, Stanisław Gasztołd died. Less than a year later, Barbara met King Sigismund II Augustus, who had traveled to Gieraniony to settle the inheritance matters of the Gasztołd estate. Stanisław had been the last male heir of his family, and his marriage to Barbara had produced no offspring.

The romance between Barbara Radziwiłł and Sigismund II Augustus flourished, even though the king was still married to Elisabeth of Habsburg, who suffered from epilepsy. When Elisabeth died in Vilnius in 1545 at the age of just 19, the king began planning to marry Barbara, a union actively supported by the Radziwiłł family. The secret wedding took place in Vilnius, sometime between July 28 and August 6, 1547.

A year later, during the Sejm in Piotrków, the king publicly announced his marriage to Barbara Radziwiłł.

The declaration met with fierce opposition—from anti-royalist factions, senators, royal officials, and even the king’s own family, especially his mother, Queen Bona. Sigismund was urged to end the relationship immediately. There was widespread fear that a marriage to a Lithuanian noblewoman would damage not only the king’s reputation but also Poland’s standing in international politics. Barbara became the subject of libelous pamphlets and malicious rumors, including accusations of numerous affairs.

Despite the backlash, Sigismund Augustus managed to overcome resistance and not only secure Barbara’s public acceptance, but also her coronation.

However, the royal couple's happiness was short-lived. By the time the crown was placed on Barbara’s head on December 7, 1550, she was already gravely ill.

What began as a romantic union turned into a political scandal, but for Barbara’s relatives, it became a rare opportunity for advancement. With the king’s support, on December 10, 1547, Emperor Charles V granted Mikołaj “the Red” Radziwiłł the title of Prince of Biržai and Dubingiai, and his cousin Mikołaj “the Black” Radziwiłł the title of Prince of Ołyka and Nieśwież. From that moment on, the Radziwiłłs were officially entitled to call themselves princes.

Gown from the film Epitaph for Barbara Radziwiłł, 1983

Directed by Janusz Majewski

Costume design by Barbara Ptak

Starring Anna Dymna as Barbara Radziwiłł

Prop from the Łódź Film Center