#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

Romanian Jewelry Week

18-31 August 2023

Between August 18-31, 2023, Romanian Jewelry Week continues the international marathon of contemporary jewelry through a special edition held in Chisinau, within the National Museum of History of Moldova, one of the most important museum institutions in the country. It is the first collaboration project in the field of contemporary jewelry between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The project is co-financed by the Romanian Cultural Institute, through the Cantemir Program - funding program for cultural projects intended for the international environment.

The museum will host for two weeks an exhibition dedicated to Romanian Jewelry Week with over 50 Romanian and international artists and designers, in an event format that includes 5 special activations such as openings, guided tours, conferences and workshops dedicated to the general public. Among the exhibitors are renowned designers from Romania, Republic of Moldova, Italy, USA, France, Portugal, Germany, Ukraine, South Korea, etc., as well as two capsule exhibitions organized by Slovenian Jewelry Week and Legnica Silver Festival in Poland. A special moment will also be marked by a screening of the first international jewelry-inspired video festival - SMCK on Reel, which focuses on current social themes explored through the lens of contemporary jewelry.

Program Romanian Jewelry Week - Chisinau 2023
Location - National Museum of History of Moldova, Str. 31 August 1989 no. 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Friday, August 18, 2023
17.00 - 19.00 - Opening of the Romanian Jewelry Week contemporary jewelry exhibition - Guided tour by curator David Sandu
Saturday, August 19, 2023
10.00 - 12.00 - Imprint. Jewelry workshop for children (12-15 years).
14:00-16:00 Conference on Assemblage Contemporary Jewelery School with David Sandu and Andreia Gabriela Popescu. Demonstration workshop of polishing semi-precious stones.
16:30 - 18:00 - SMCK ON REEL FESTIVAL film screening - "Civilization Rebooted".
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - Location - National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau
16.00 - 18.00 - Conferences and Finishing of Romanian Jewelry Week.

"Through this special edition of Romanian Jewelry Week, the National Museum of History of Moldova marks a special moment in the cultural collaboration between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Contemporary jewelery is an art form full of meaning and expression, and this exhibition provides an opportunity to enjoy the creativity and ingenuity of many talented artists and designers. The National History Museum of Moldova has the mission of promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of our country, and Romanian Jewelry Week brings a new perspective on the art of jewelry in a contemporary context. Through the event, we want to encourage cultural dialogue and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas between artists and our audience." - National Museum of History of Moldova.

Access is based on the museum entrance ticket.

Event organized by Assamblage in partnership with the National Museum of History of Moldova, in Chisinau. The project is co-financed by the Romanian Cultural Institute, through the Cantemir Program - funding program for cultural projects intended for the international environment. Exhibition design signed by Kaustik.

Media partners: Radio Guerilla, Aici a Stat, Curatorialist, Curatorial.ro, Dreamingof.net, Designist.ro, ELLE, Empower Artists, Feeder.ro, Festivalier, Igloo, IQAds, Lost in Jewelry Magazine, Femeia, Modernism.ro, Atelierul Magazine, Golan Magazine, The PR Station, The Institute, Zeppelin, Days and Nights, Călători cu Gust, TVR Moldova.

Romanian Jewelry Week is an annual international project organized by Assamblage - the National Association of Authors and Designers of Contemporary Jewelry, which brings together in each edition over 190 designers and collectives from all over the world. It is currently the largest and most important event dedicated to contemporary jewelry in Romania. After 3 successful editions held in Bucharest, in cultural spaces such as the National Library of Romania, Arcub, the National History Museum of Romania, the Cotroceni National Museum, and many others, Romanian Jewelry Week will organize a first special edition in Timișoara and Chisinau in 2023, alongside the main edition in Bucharest that will take place between October 4-8, 2023.

The Romanian Cultural Institute is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project can be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.

#Exhibit of the Month

Icon “Saint Nicholas with Scenes from His Life”

Romanian Jewelry Week

18-31 August 2023

#Exhibit of the Month