Prevalence of Secession Style Décor Elements in Interiors of Lithuanian Manor Residences

Abstract

Summary This article’s aim is to demonstrate the secession décor’s implementation in manor house interiors throughout Lithuania. Secession style is very different from historicist styles and was popular for a short period of time, which is why it did not gain popularity in all Europe. This organic style is usually closely related to urban culture, but, in the past, the main cultural life in Lithuania developed in manors. Nevertheless, secession style décor and interior design was not as popular in manor houses as in city buildings. Because of that, all details and elements of secession style are very important for Lithuania’s cultural heritage. Several examples from Renavas, Rokiškis, Gelgaudiškis, Paežeriai, Burbiškis, and Šešuolėliai manor residences’ interiors show how secession style was created in Lithuanian countryside. The new style brought changes, such as asymmetric facades, new floor plans and perception of private space, and new interior décor. Iconographic material of secession style décor elements in interiors of Lithuania is rare, but, by combining it with historical, art, and polychromic research, it is possible to describe the details of secession style in the interiors of Lithuanian manor houses.