#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.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

„Moldova’s Davas”

(Thracian-Getae citadels from the interfluves of Prut and Dniester Rivers at 70 years from the beginning of research)

20 September – 31 October 2016

The exhibition "Moldova's Davas" was organized as part of European Heritage Days and celebrates the 70th anniversary from the beginning of archaeological research at Thracian-Getae citadels from the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The exhibition brings together about 160 archaeological pieces from the collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova and the Museum of Antiquities "Tudor Arnăut" from the State University of Moldova. Archaeological exhibits are represented by ceramic vessels of various shapes and sizes, tools, weapons, clothing items and jewelry, religious objects etc.

The first Thracian-Getae citadels from the interfluves of the Prut and Dniester Rivers were identified in the interwar period. However, their repertoire and research began only after World War II. Researcher G. D. Smirnov has a great merit in discovering and researching fortified sites dated with the 6th-3rd centuries BC. He conducted several surveys in 1946 in the basin of the Middle Dniester, Lower Răut and the basin of Botna Rivers. As a result, were discovered the citadels from Saharna Mare, Saharna Mică, Saharna „Revechin", Butuceni, Trebujeni „Potârca", Horodca Mare, Horodca Mică etc. In the same year, on 29th August have begun archaeological excavations headed by G. D. Smirnov at Saharna Mare, the first Thracian-Getae citadel subject to archaeological research on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.

Archaeological surveys and research at Thracian-Getae citadels continued in the following decades and lead to discovering other 80 similar sites.

Following archeological research conducted over the past 70 years, have been recovered numerous and varied artifacts, many of which are today preserved in the collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

A special place in the exhibition is held by ceramic vessels of various shapes and sizes discovered from the excavations of G.D. Smirnov at Butuceni and recent research from Saharna Mare, Saharna „Revechin", Trebujeni „Potârca", Horodca Mică, Rudi etc.

Daily activity in the Thracian-Getae citadels is shown in the exhibition by many tools, such as axes, sickles, knives and many different other iron objects. Also, are displayed spindles of different sizes and shapes, used by inhabitants of the citadels in spinning wool, flax etc.

An important role in determining the military character of the citadels are findings of weapons attested at most sites where archaeological excavations have been conducted. The weapons are represented in the exhibition by numerous arrowheads made of bronze.

Another important category of findings shown in the exhibition is jewelry, clothing and toiletries, presented by mirrors, brooches, bracelets, rings etc., made of silver, bronze and iron.

Existing relations between the communities who inhabited the Thracian-Getae citadels and settlements from surrounding areas and the Greek civilization is demonstrated by numerous imported items: amphorae, luxury tableware, jewelry etc. This artifact category is shown in the exhibition by Lekane, whole and fragmented amphorae that come from famous Greek centers of Chios, Thasos, Pontic Heraclea, Sinope etc.

The exhibition contains also a series of posters with maps, orthophotoplans, overview images of the citadels, photos showing the defensive walls and ditches, images from the archeological excavations etc.