An Exhibition Created by the Latvian State Historical Archives on Duke Jacob of Courland and His Reign at Bauska Castle Museum

From 23 September to 6 November, the exhibition “Duke Jacob of Courland and Semigallia (1610–1681) and His Era”, created by the Latvian State Historical Archives, can be viewed at Bauska Castle Museum. The exhibition is dedicated to Jacob Kettler, the best-known and, at the same time, most myth-shrouded Duke of Courland. The exhibition opening will take place on 23 September at 16:00.

The Latvian State Historical Archives’ rich collection of historical evidence makes it possible not only to trace the various areas of Duke Jacob’s activities as a ruler, but also to gain insight into the life of the ducal family and reveal certain aspects of his personality. The exhibition presents, in digitised form, mostly unpublished sources—maps, images of ships, portraits and letters—that tell of Duke Jacob’s activities as a ruler, his family life and personality, as well as the territory, administration and economy of the duchy. Among the recent discoveries are documents confirming that Duke Jacob built his first ships in Liepāja. His diplomatic relations are evidenced by correspondence with many countries, including Russia and Venice. Meanwhile, the map of the island of Tobago created during the Courlanders’ expedition in 1654, together with plans and sketches from the mid-17th century of Duke Jacob’s fort on St Andrew’s Island in Gambia, are considered historical sources of global significance.

This is already the second travelling exhibition created by the Latvian State Historical Archives to be displayed at Bauska Castle, supplementing the castle’s historical exhibitions with broader information about the history of the Duchy of Courland and the figures associated with it. The exhibitions provide insight into the documents on which historians’ conclusions are based concerning decisive events and the processes of practical life and cultural development in the Duchy of Courland in the 17th century. 

The exhibition’s author is Dr. hist. Mārīte Jakovļeva, leading researcher at the Institute of Latvian History of the University of Latvia and chief archivist at the Latvian State Historical Archives; the artist is Baiba Šomase; and the project manager is Dr. hist. Valda Pētersone, Deputy Director of the Latvian State Historical Archives.

Ticket price: adults: €1.00; students of educational institutions: €0.50;

On the day of the exhibition opening: admission is free