Restoring faith: Icons at the Moldovan National Art Museum
A free guided tour was offered to visitors of the National Art Museum.
Participants learned about the restoration of icons, the complexity of the process, and the meticulous nature of the work. The tour was part of the "Religious Art between Sacred and Profane" event.
Restorer Gheorghe Niculăiescu explained each stage of the meticulous restoration process for visitors, focusing on the museum's collection of icons and other artworks.
"These works of art carry the weight of many prayers; countless people have prayed before them. A restorer has a responsibility to truly listen to the artwork, to understand its story. Only then can it be properly treated," said Gheorghe Niculăiescu.
The display features components of the iconostasis from the church in Cogâlniceni. Among them are three icons and the deacons' doors," says Maria Dragnev, museographer.
The church in Cogâlniceni, where the iconostasis was located, no longer exists, but all 52 icons that formed it are now part of the museum's collection.
"A digital reconstruction would be an impressive feat, as the original iconostasis stood at a height of 6.6 meters," Maria Dragnev noted.
Visitors expressed their gratitude for the knowledgeable guide who led them through the museum's religious art galleries:
"We learned so much, including how difficult it is to restore these works—preserving them for us and future generations."
"We were fortunate to have the master restorer with us. As an art enthusiast, I found it fascinating to learn about the historical painting techniques."
"I've visited many times, but have never had a guide to explain things. Today is a wonderful opportunity, and I hope such thematic tours are offered more frequently so the public can learn more."
Specialized tours focusing on religious art are essential, according to the museum staff.
"It is an important and valuable part of our culture that is, unfortunately, underappreciated by the general public. Beyond its religious significance, icons also possess artistic and historical value," says museographer Maria Dragnev.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
