#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

Publications

Library „Tyragetia"

Studies on Museology (II)

Series “Biblioteca “Tyragetia” XXIII, Chisinau, 2013. 228 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-765-4; 978-9975-80-766-1.

The volume Studii de muzeologie, II (Museology Studies, II) was officially launched at the end of December 2013 at the National Museum of History of Moldova in the context of a series of scientific and cultural events honoring its 30^th anniversary from foundation on December 21^st, 1983.

The volume appeared in the series Biblioteca „Tyragetia" XXIII (Library „Tyragetia" XXIII) with dr. hab. Eugen Sava and dr. Aurel Zanoci as coordinators, and dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița as responsible of edition. The graphical presentation was done by Ivan Litsiuk and Mihai Sava, the photography is authored by Iurie Foca, and the editing was ensured by Vlad Pohilă and Mariana Balan. The print was done at Bons Offices, on quality paper, on 17x25 format.

On the brown cover appears the museum coat of arms and on the back cover feature abstracts from reviews on the volume signed by dr. hab. Ion Niculiță and dr. Valentina Ursu. The summary includes important scientific contributions in the field of museolgy from the country and from abroad.

Beginning with a short preface signed by dr. hab. E. Sava, the volume has as starting point the Proposal for public policy regarding the modernization and streamlining of museum activities. In April 2012, the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova created a working group who elaborated the project Public policies regarding streamlining museum activities from its subordination. After public debates, the project has been approved in July 2013 by the Inter-ministerial Committee for Strategic Planning from State Chancellery. Two options of the project are to be implemented starting with 2014. Option no. 2 is Management based on performance and development of museums business and educational competences and Option no.3 is Accreditation of collections management and funding of projects for collections development.

The value of this volume relies on the scientific authority of its authors. Among them is the patriarch of museology from contemporary Romania - prof. dr. Ioan Opriș, who presented the study Museographic realities and horizons in which he succeeded in motivating the realities of contemporary museology from Romania and in arguing the perspectives of museum institution evolution.

The study signed by Aurelia Cornețchi - Museum Night - a welcoming concept -surprises with richness of information. The author thinks that the cultural phenomenon Museum night has „revolutionized the museum institutions and has an extraordinary impact on the large public and is a phenomenon in full ascent"

The study made by Lucia Marinescu-Tonu puts to the forefront issues of heritage pedagogy which can contribute to the economic development, social cohesion and active citizenship.

Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița in Museum heritage - a few lines of reflection and action highlights the need for development of museum institution's heritage based on proper scientific concepts, while the development of the museum itself should start from a management based on marketing policies and information technologies.

The study signed by Adelaida Chiroșca presents the show of an interesting collection - Sealing matrix from the heritage of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Iurii Piatnițki dedicates a detailed study to the personality of Mihail Mihailovici Savostin, a well-known Russian collector from the end of 19^th-beginning of 20^th century.

Ann Nicholls proposes to the reader a presentation of the European Museum Academy which aims at attracting museographers and museum institutions from Republic of Moldova in the activity of this institution founded by European museographers on the occasion of the 10^th commemoration of the late curator Kenneth Hudson, based in Holland. The academy has the goal to stimulate museum thinking, support of museum research, stimulate pioneer ideas in museum practice etc.

Conceived as a consolidated volume, Studii de muzeologie incite and also inform, its publication being of absolute utility. Written in a clear and sober stile, it will certainly find an honored place among works specific to this field.

The study has a fair edition given the actual conditions. It is essential for this volume to be included in all specialized and public libraries.

We recommend with warmth this volume of studies which is goes in line with the tradition of museum research of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița