Kazimierz Lew Sapieha, of Lis coat of arms (1609-1656)


Marshal of the regular Seym in Warsaw 20 I-4 III 1637


Grand Clerk of Lithuania from 1633, Marshal of the Court of Lithua- nia from 1637, Vice-Chancellor of Lithuania from 1645.


Son of Lew Sapieha, Grand Hetman of Lithuania (pos.2), extensively educated - studied in Vilna, Munich, Lowanium in 1621-30, had command of seven languages. He participated in the negotiations with Muscovy ended by Polanowo truce (1634). He was in close relations with King Władysław IV, on whose behalf he welcomed on the border Queen Marie-Louise arriving in Poland; he was appointed by the monarch to be the executor of his last will. He repelled Chmielnicki's invasion on Lithuania, which brought him thanks in the 1649 Seym. His Seym speech 'Oratis ad Reipublicae Polonae Senatores a 1649 dictata' was frequently quoted as a model deputy statement. He opened the civil and canonic law faculties at the Vilna Academy, which received his rich library as well. He founded a Kartuzy monastery at Bereza.

Portrait of Kazimierz Lew Sapieha, 1667

engraved by Wawrzyniec Willatz
capperplate, 15,2cm x 12,5cm
The National Museum in Warsaw (cat. no Gr.Pol.13271)