The Museum of Samogitian Diocese (Žemaičių vyskupystės muziejų) preserves two portraits of Bishop Simon Michael Tadeusz Giedroyć, which are part of a larger group of bishop portraits in the museum's collection. Both portraits, although stylistically different, follow the convention of 18th and 19th century bishops' portraits, in which symbols of clerical and secular authority played an important role. The influence of realist painting is evident, particularly in the accurate depiction of facial features and insignia. The first portrait, more modest, may represent a more regional tradition of painting. The second portrait, on the other hand, more elaborate and decorative, draws on the academic tradition of representational portraiture popular in the Tsarist and European schools of painting.

Szymon Michał Tadeusz Giedroyć of the Hippocentaurus coat-of-arms (1764-1844) was a Roman Catholic clergyman, bishop and theologian, descended from the Giedroyc princely family. He was born on 30 October 1764 near Vygotsk in Lithuania. His life and work coincided with a time of turbulent historical changes that affected the situation of the Catholic Church in the region.

Szymon Giedroyć was educated at the seminary in Vorny, where he prepared for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in 1787, and in the same year received his doctorate in theology from the Vilnius Academy. Although he did not formally study at the academy, he earned the title through his outstanding intellectual achievements. In 1789, he became a member of the Lithuanian Tribunal.

In 1804, the Petrapilis Spiritual College appointed him coadjutor to Bishop Joseph Arnulf Giedroyć, and the Pope did not confirm his election until 1812. In the same year, Giedroyć accepted the episcopal sacrament, becoming suffragan of the Samogitian diocese. He held this post until 1838, when he became coadjutor of the Samogitian diocese, and after the death of Joseph Arnulf Giedroyć took over as its administrator. Despite the support of the Samogitian chapter, the Pope never approved his appointment as Ordinary of the diocese.

From 1808 to 1819, Simon Giedroyć represented the Samogitian diocese at the Petrapilis Spiritual College, and from 1829 he served as president of that institution. After the suppression of the November Uprising in 1831, he took over the de facto rule of the Samogitian diocese, leaving his predecessor with only representative functions. Thanks to his position and influence, he managed to save many priests from deportation to Siberia and other punishments.

As a person of meritorious service to the Church and the community, Simon Giedroyc was awarded the Order of Saint Stanislaus and Russian decorations, including the Order of Saint Vladimir Second Class and the Order of Saint Anne Second Class. He was a knight of these honours, which underlined his importance in both the Polish Republic and the Russian partition.

Szymon Michał Tadeusz Giedroyć died on 7 August 1844 in Alsėdžiai (Olsiade). He was buried in the crypt of the Bishop's Cathedral in Vornya (now Varnių Šv. apaštalų Petro ir Pauliaus bažnyčia). His life and work are a testimony to the sacrifices and difficulties Catholic clergy had to face in the 19th century, trying to protect the Church and its faithful from repression by the Tsarist authorities.

Portraits from the Museum of Samogitian Diocese (Žemaičių vyskupystės muziejų)

Portrait 1

Technique and material: oil on canvas
Inventory number: KAM BMr 427

Bust, figure turned slightly to the left, gaze directed at the viewer. The portrayed person has grey hair. He is dressed in a black mucet with rebate. On the chest the red and white ribbon of the Order of St Stanislaus and the pectoral cross are visible. To the left, the star of the order is visible, emphasising the high rank of the clergyman. The background of the portrait is brown and neutral, without additional decorative elements. At the bottom of the image is the inscription:
. Simon Michael Princeps GIEDROJC ab an[no] 1812 Ep[isco]pus. Adrami- | ensis Suffrag[anaeus] Samog[itiae] ab a[nno] 1838 Administrans Dioec[esim], Samog[itiae]. | anno 1844 mortus.

Portrait 2

Technique and material: oil on canvas
Bust, facing slightly to the left. The gaze is directed towards the viewer, grey hair. His left hand, bent at the elbow, holds a book, while his right hand, decorated with a ring, supports itself on a table containing books. He is dressed in a blue uniform jacket with a high collar. On his chest are three crosses, including a pectoral cross. In addition, the figure is girded with a red ribbon with yellow stripes, to which the Order of St Stanislaus, the Order of St Vladimir and the Order of St Anne are pinned. The star of the Order of St Stanislaus is visible on the chest. On the left side at breast level are three stars: at the top the Order of St. Vladimir, at the bottom the Order of St. Anne. A curtain decorated with a lambrequin is visible in the background. In the upper left part of the image is the family coat of arms Hippocentaurus under the crown, and below is the inscription:
. Princeps Simon Filius [...] | Gierojć Episcopus Samogintae | Natus A[nn]o 1764 Obist 1844.