Pius Adamowitsch Welonski, Girl's head

Pijus Veliuoniškis (Pius Adamowitsch Welonski, 1849-1931)
Girl's head
1882, bronze, cast, Ø 43
Sign. AK: signature, 1882, Rome

Pius Veliuoniškis (also known as Pijus Velionskis) was a Lithuanian-born sculptor of the late 19th century, who left his mark on European cultural and artistic heritage.
Born into a noble family, Veliuoniškis showed his artistic talents early on. He studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts, where he acquired a solid foundation in academic sculpture and became a member of the Academy. Later, he studied in Rome, where he became familiar with the traditions of ancient art and began to create works inspired by classical aesthetics.
Veliuoniškis' work is characterised by neo-romanticism and neoclassicism. His sculptures often depict historical or mythological figures, conveying deep emotional expression and subtle modelling of forms. One of his most famous works is the bronze monument to the poet Vladislav Sirokoml, unveiled in 1908 in Vilnius St. The poet is depicted playing the lyre.
Although he spent most of his life abroad, Veliuoniškis maintained a link with Lithuania through his work, which often reflects elements of Lithuanian themes and symbolism. His work has been exhibited in various European exhibitions and has received recognition and appreciation. Pijus Veliuoniškis died in Warsaw in 1931, leaving a rich artistic legacy that is still regarded as an important part of Lithuanian and European sculpture history.