#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

“Official and unofficial symbols of the Republic of Moldova”

Dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the State Flag and the State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova and to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the National Heraldry Commission

November 3, 2020 - June 21, 2021

Symbols are expressions of the spirit, which are evoked by specific material manifestations that define the individual or collective embodiment of the idea of homeland. Of the many symbols that exist in space and time, national symbols are of paramount importance. Their role is to coagulate national and state entities and to sensitize society in order to educate patriotism, dignity and the appreciation of national values. Among the national symbols of a state are distinguished the official ones, such as the coat of arms, the flag, the anthem, the state insignia, the national currency, but also other emblems that identify it in non-formal situations, such as flowers, trees, birds, animals, monuments, and so on.

The purpose of the exhibition is to present the official national symbols of the Republic of Moldova, but also the complementary national emblems fundamental for the country, which have the role of defining and popularizing the heraldic image of our country both within the country and in Europe.

The exhibition is divided into three compartments. The first of them is dedicated to the major national symbols: State Coat of Arms, State Flag, State Anthem, state and departmental insignia, national currency, and so on. Among others, original medieval documents from the collections of the National Archive of the Republic of Moldova are exhibited, which illustrate the use of the coat of arms of Moldova in the medieval and modern era. For the first time, several exhibits are displayed that highlight the life and work of the authors of the anthem Limba noastră [Our Language], the poet Alexe Mateevici and the composer Alexandru Cristea.

The second compartment includes derived national symbols, such as the banners of the highest officials of the Republic of Moldova or the state seal, but also some complementary national emblems, from the field of nature or culture, such as national plant, national flower, national tree, the national animal emblem, the national bird, the national river, the national holiday, the folk costume, and so on.

The purpose of the third compartment is to present to the public the model of a country that successfully and inspiringly promotes its natural and cultural symbols. This is Canada, where those symbols are adopted not only at the national level, but also at the provincial level. Thus, several materials are exhibited, including various products, souvenirs, coins, postcards, objects, clothing accessories, and other items, which contain images of unofficial symbols of this state.

Organizers:
National Museum of History of Moldova
National Heraldry Commission under the President of the Republic of Moldova

Partners:
National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History
Mihail Kogălniceanu National Museum of Literature
National Archives Agency
Researcher Maria Ișaev
Also collaborated: Eugen Belinschi, Varvara Buzilă,
Marina Chilat, Petru Costin, Svetlana Dernovici,
Alexandru Macovei, Daniel Racoviță, Valentina Rudâc,
Leontina Vatamanu, and others.