Leon Baranowski (1870–1920) was a prominent photographer active in Druskininkai, Lithuania, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his extensive documentation of the town's landscapes, architecture, and daily life through photographs, negatives, and postcards. His work provides a vivid glimpse into the era when Druskininkai was a thriving resort town and a source of inspiration for notable Lithuanian artist and composer M. K. Čiurlionis.
Baranowski operated the only photography studio in Druskininkai, located on V. Kudirka Street near Druskonis Lake. After his death in 1920, his photographic legacy was carried on by Bolesław Czerechowicz, who married Baranowski's widow, Emilia Baranowska, and continued the studio's operations under the imprint "FOT. L. BARANOWSKI." The studio's history beyond 1945 remains unclear, as the family either left the town or faced deportation during turbulent times.
Baranowski's photographs are an essential part of Lithuanian cultural heritage, capturing the essence of Druskininkai as it existed during his lifetime. His work is celebrated for its historical significance and artistic value, preserving a bygone era for future generations.
