#Exhibit of the Month

Around thirty icons from the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova feature Saint Nicholas the Hierarch and Miracle Worker. While most represent the later iconographic tradition, a few early images stand out as rare examples due to their composition.
In the icon "Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life", the hierarch is depicted bust-length, blessing the Gospel. He is framed by two round medallions showing Christ and the Mother of God, who hand him the Gospel and the omophorion. Saint Nicholas, earlier than other saints, was portrayed with scenes from his hagiographic cycle. The first images of his life date back to the 11th century, represented on a folding icon from the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai.

The museum icon dates from the early 19th century, preserving the traditional chest format typical of classical icons. Twelve panels illustrate episodes from the saint's life, arranged from left to right: four on the upper register, four on the lower, and two on each side, as follows: Birth of Saint Nicholas (1), Baptism of Saint Nicholas (2), Miracle of Healing the Crippled Woman (3), Apprenticeship of Young Nicholas (4), Ordination as Deacon (5), Ordination as Bishop (6) Vision of Constantine (7), Saint Nicholas Saves Three Voivodes from Execution (8), Miracle of Rescue from Drowning (9), Miracle of Saving Basil from the Arabs (10), Dormition of Saint Nicholas (11), Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas to Bari (12).

Saint Nicholas the Hierarch is commemorated by the Orthodox Church twice a year: on December 6/19, the day of his birth, and on May 9/22, the day his relics were transferred from Myra to Bari (1087). Among all saints of the Christian world, the image of Saint Nicholas is one of the most popular, easily recognizable even to those unfamiliar with iconography.

He was born in the Roman Empire, at Patara in the province of Lycia, between 260-280, though early sources omit the exact date. Coming from a wealthy family, he rejected fame and luxury. From an early age he devoted himself to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture, while also mastering other disciplines. He avoided noisy gatherings and idle talk, attended church regularly, and pursued a life of chastity. Later he dedicated himself to pastoral ministry, defending the Christian faith with perseverance and firmly opposing heresies.
Through his care for people and the benefactions he performed everywhere, he became highly venerated not only in Myra but also in the surrounding regions. The grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in his heart was revealed through miracles performed both during his life and after his death, earning him the enduring title of "Miracle Worker." Saint Nicholas passed away in the 330s (circa 334-337), and his remains were placed in a sumptuous marble tomb in the episcopal cathedral where he had served for many years. This soon became an important center of pilgrimage.
Holy Tradition has preserved with accuracy the features of his portrait, and his appearance in icons is marked by a distinct individuality. Ecclesiastical art has produced numerous iconographic representations, ranging from bust images to full-length depictions. The diversity of these representations suggests that the final iconography of Saint Nicholas was not yet established, taking shape only in the 10th-11th centuries. It is said that an authentic icon from the basilica in Myra, executed during the saint's lifetime and mentioned in written sources as early as the 11th century, played a significant role in his veneration.
Icons depicting the hagiographic cycle of Saint Nicholas spread widely in both Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, confirming the importance and popularity of his cult.

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Exhibitions

“Ion Tabîrtă. In memoriam”

March 28, 2024 - April 28, 2024

The National Museum of History of Moldova announces the opening of the graphic and painting exhibition "Ion Tâbîrță. In memoriam", which includes about 50 works of the visual artist, some of which are exhibited to the public for the first time. The opening of the exhibition will take place on March 28, at 16:00 in Hall 1.

Ion Tăbîrță was born on August 2, 1930 in the village of Hlinaia, Slobozia, Republic of Moldova, in a peasant family. In the years 1937-1946 he studied at the school in his native village. In the years 1946-1951 he studied at the School of Fine Arts "I. Repin" from Chisinau (currently the Republican College of Fine Arts "Al. Plămădeala"). In the years 1951-1954 he was a painter within the Plastic Fund of the Union of Plastic Artists from Moldova. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Kiev (1954-1960) in the class of the famous professor V. Casian, where he studied different graphic techniques: linocut, lithography, xylography, etchings, engraving on cardboard and others.

From 1960 to 1963 he was a teacher at the "I. Repin". In 1962, he became a member of the Union of Plastic Artists from Moldova, and actively participated in all exhibitions abroad. Since 1964 he has been a member of the board of directors of the Union of Plastic Artists from Moldova, and since 1968 he has been the president of the U.P.A. section. from Moldova. From 1962 until 1969, he was the director of the School of Plastic Arts for children "A. Sciusev" from Chisinau.

The artist carries out a fruitful activity as an organizer of education in the field of art. In 1969, the middle-boarding Republican School of Fine Arts opens (currently the "I. Vieru" Republican High School of Fine Arts). An indisputable merit in the organization of this high school belongs to I. Tăbîrță. In the years 1969-1977, he was director of the medium-boarding Republican School of Plastic Arts in Chisinau.

In the years 1977-1979 Ion Tăbîrță is the chief painter of the Plastic Fund of the U.P.A. from Moldova, and in 1979-1983 he was the head of the drawing and painting department of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Graphics of the "Ion Creangă" State Pedagogical Institute (currently the "Ion Creangă" Pedagogical University). In 1980, he was awarded the honorary title of Emeritus Worker of Culture from R.S.S.M.

In the years 1983-1988 he was the director of the National Museum of Plastic Arts of Moldova. In the years 1988-1990 he was director of the Republican High School of Fine Arts "I. Vieru". In 1990, he was awarded the honorary title "Teacher of the People of the Russian Federation". In the years 1990-1994 he was deputy director of the "I. Vieru".

During his activities, the painter creates series of works such as the series of paintings "At the tractor factory" which constitute almost 40 works, representing a chronicle of the factory, the series of linocuts: "Spring", "Maternity", "Peace", " We, the first" and other works in etchings: "Moldovians", "Bulgarians", "Blestem", "Pe costiș", "Mihai Eminescu" "Luceafărul", "A. Mateevici", "Spiritul nostru", "Lands of Moldova". Ion Tăbîrță also tackles the historical theme, creating faces of historical personalities: V. Lupu, D. Cantemir, and others. He works in the field of landscape, representing various places in the city of Chisinau. The artist also practices watercolor, performing a series of works in the cities of Câmpina, Timișoara (Romania) and Moșino (Ukraine).

The master's works have been exhibited in more than 20 countries, many works are in the collection of fine arts museums, art galleries in the Republic of Moldova and abroad.

Exhibition of graphics and painting "Ion Tâbîrță. In memoriam" can be visited between March 28 - April 28, 2024, in Hall 1 of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Icon “Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life”

“Ion Tabîrtă. In memoriam”

March 28, 2024 - April 28, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month