Daugavpils Fortress Guards Mark Rothko Paintings
The treasure guarded within the walls of Daugavpils Fortress are to be found on canvas. And not in any kind of a gold or silver hoard!
Virtually unaltered today. The huge earth and stone bastions of this 19th century military construction now protect some of Latvia’s most famous art works. Painted by former resident Mark Rothko.
Mark Rothko exhibition Daugavpils. Latgale area of Latvia.
Located in the country’s second largest city Daugavpils. It lies 230 kilometres south west from the capital Riga. In the region of Latgale which borders Belarus.
A proud region that has its own language as well as Latvian of course, plus Russian and Polish can often be heard too!
This fort is bisected by the Daugava River. And I suspect that some of the occupants of the current half of the fort south of the river would love to get hold of the treasure within the northern half. As that southern section is now a self-contained prison!
Aerial view of Daugavpils Fortress. Latgale area of Latvia.
The collection of the Rothko art works housed in one of the many buildings within the 2kilometre square complex. They are reputed to be worth some $150M!
Mark Rothko exhibition Daugavpils. Latvia.
Born in the city then called Dvinsk in 1903 when under Russian rule. Mark Rothko stayed until he was aged 10 when his family moved to Portland, Oregon USA in 1913.
Daugavpils Latvia’s Second City
Rothko developed what was called his ‘Colorfield Painting’ style. The drips and splashes technique were adopted by other painters of the time. But, he went in a different direction with simple use of colour in painting like ‘Red on Brown’ currently in the exhibition.
Mark Rothko exhibition Daugavpils. Latgale area of Latvia.
He would paint in several layers of colours, which had an image almost glowing from the inside it. He wanted viewers to study his works at a very close range, so they could feel the emotions provoked by his paintings.
Daugavpils Fortress Mark Rothko exhibition.
However, get too close and the sensitive alarms and scanners protecting the paintings in the air-conditioned guarded exhibition room.Wail and soon let you know!
Mark Rothko self portrait in the exhibition. Daugavpils Fortress.
The Mark Rothko Centre also houses works of other artists, too. This is given over to exhibiting works in a host of mediums by other leading international artists too.
Hsiao Chin’s show. Daugavpils Fortress.
Currently they are showing works by Hsiao Chin. A soundscape exhibition by Hunt Slonem with bird song. Plus the Exhibition of the 8th International Ceramic Art Symposium called ‘Ceramic Laboratory’.
Daugavpils Fortress Mark Rothko A Perfect Pairing
The fortress started by Tsar Alexander I in 1811 was to be a key defensive outpost to protect the far west of the Russian Empire from the then troublesome Napoleon! The fort was eventually finished in 1878.
The Russian Imperial flag. Very similar to the British Union Jack!
Enclosed within the walls criss crossed by numerous streets are many houses and apartment buildings. It is a town within a city.
A mechanised water lifting machine was constructed to provide the troops with fresh water. A large bucket chain system was employed and the building today houses the preserved machinery and also a museum for the fortress.
Military medals and awards Daugavpils Fortress museum. Latgale area of Latvia.
Some of the other buildings have been adapted. These house other historical exhibitions. One medical display is a delight for the children. Lots of gore!
Daugavpils Fortress Offers a Good Day Out
There is also a delightful antique shop. Plus other galleries and an extensive memorial garden to explore.
Antique shop in the Daugavpils Fortress.
Plenty of interest around the fort. Items like a giant white horse art work. Alternatively, a walk around the ramparts will take you about an hour. And well worth the time in order to take in this military marvel. Certainly, a real rarity, here in northern Europe.
Heavy oak doors protect Daugavpils Fortress. Latgale area of Latvia.
With four entrance gates to the fort. The Nicholas gate was named after the Russian Emperor. Certainly, one of the best restored and persevered. Built of local red brick. As clay bricks are common and much used in the region. It is very ornate, topped with stone and built in a Gothic style.
Nicholas Gate at the Daugavpils Fortress. Latgale Latvia.
A wooden bridge now crosses the dry moat. Allowing access to view the river Daugava. And that other view if you want, of the prison complex on the far shore.
Wooden moat bridge, Daugavpils Fortress. Latgale area of Latvia.
Russian Army prisoners during the second world war were held by the Nazi’s in the fortress. Then called Stalag 340. Jewish prisoners were also detained there after the Nazi invasion in July 1941.
Daugavpils Fortress Mark Rothko Dessert. Latgale, Latvia.
Daugavpils Fortress today is a place of serenity and culture. Influenced by their famous artistic son. A special dessert has been created in his name. As the ‘Café Arsenals’ serves ‘Rothko dessert’ an interpretation of one of his work’s on a plate!
