#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

"With coats of arms at the table - in the world and at home..."

Exhibition of everyday objects dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Heraldry Cabinet within the Office of the President of the Republic of Moldova

March 30 – April 30, 2023

In our century, coats of arms represent the most solemn segment of emblems in use. Their highly elaborate artistic aspect and the enciphered symbolism that cannot be penetrated at first adds to the solemnity a touch of mystery intimidating to the man of today. Or, once the coat of arms could be seen everywhere, because it also had the function of a property mark. It was worn by numerous objects, including everyday and not very solemn ones.

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Heraldry Cabinet within the Office of the President of the Republic of Moldova (April 1, 2013, by the appointment of the first State Heraldist of the Republic of Moldova), this exhibition is part of the series of events promoting heraldic knowledge and use, supported by the National Commission of Heraldry attached to the President of the Republic of Moldova, from the moment of its establishment, with the support of traditional scientific partners, among which the National Museum of History of Moldova takes the leading place.

The purpose of the exhibition is to sensitize public opinion on the fact that a coat of arms can and must be used in everyday life without any restraint, in some mundane activities and situations. It is primarily about family and territorial coats of arms, because national symbols - official, cultural and natural - have never left our visual space, occupying more and more space.

The table, which brings together family members or friends, colleagues or relatives, has always been an opportunity to promote ideas. Table, tea and coffee services, cutlery, napkins and tablecloths, adjacent decorations and surrounding furniture began to be decorated with coats of arms right from the appearance of heraldic insignia. Thus, the compartments "A tea with a coat of arms", "A cup of coffee with a coat of arms", "A dairy with a coat of arms", "A beer with a coat of arms", "A wine with a coat of arms", "A strong drink with a coat of arms", "At the table with the Dutch royal family" reflects precisely this extremely widespread worldwide use of the coat of arms and complementary emblems.

The compartment "At the work table with coat of arms" marks the use of armoured objects when the man is working: at the writing table, at the sewing table, etc. Two other compartments "At the gaming table with a coat of arms" and "At a cigarette with a coat of arms" mark the other facet of human nature - the pleasure of entertainment. Two applied, historical domains were chosen, which also correspond to the structure of the collection.

The last two sections - "Daily heraldic use in the Republic of Moldova" and "Daily heraldic use in Romania" - present the situation in the Romanian space, which has not evolved much and is still mainly limited to the promotion of national heraldic symbols - the coat of arms and the state flag -, the other types of heraldic and complementary emblems remaining in the shadows. This exhibition is organized precisely to change this situation in our country, where the economic premises already allow the embodiment of such ideas that must not be delayed.

After the exhibition closes, most of the exhibited pieces, with historical value, will be donated to the Museum.

The exhibition "With the coat of arms on the table - in the world and at home..." will be open from March 30 to April 30, 2023, in the hall on the ground floor of the National History Museum of Moldova, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.