#Exhibit of the Month

This remarkable portrait of Mihai Eminescu, created by artist Alexandru Gușanov, is based on one of the four known photographs of the poet. The photograph that inspired this portrait was taken in 1869 in Wenceslas Square, Prague, when Eminescu was only 19 years old. The oval composition and harmonious color palette highlight the prominent personality and charisma of the young poet, capturing an expression that conveys both melancholy and intellectual depth.
Alexandru Gușanov (1929-2005), a Moldovan painter of Ukrainian origin, distinguished himself through his extensive work, comprising approximately 5,000 pieces - portraits, landscapes, and still life paintings. Settled in Moldova since 1945, Gușanov graduated from the Republican Art School "I.E. Repin" in Chișinău in 1952. His works were showcased in numerous national and international exhibitions and were highly appreciated in countries such as France, Hungary, Russia, and Yugoslavia. The artist dedicated a significant part of his career to creating portraits of historical and cultural figures, including Dimitrie Cantemir, Mihail Kogălniceanu, and Alexei Mateevici, which are part of the National Museum of History of Moldova's collection.

The subject of the portrait, Mihai Eminescu (1850-1889), is the most significant poet in Romanian literature, whose works reflect profound thought, sensitivity toward nature, and national identity. At the age of 19, when the photograph that inspired this portrait was taken, Eminescu was in the midst of his intellectual formation, preparing to become the iconic voice of Romanian culture. Among his most famous works is the poem Luceafărul (The Morning Star), a masterpiece of universal literature.

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Exhibitions

„Christmas Memories”

20 December, 2017 – 14 January, 2018

The exhibition "Christmas Memories" recreates the magical atmosphere of the holidays, as it was during the 20th century. The objects from the museum collection invite the visitors to step into the atmosphere of the Christmas holiday from the past when Moș Crăciun (Santa Claus) was then called Moș Gerilă, and the Christmas Holidays were back then Winter Holidays.

The central element of the exhibition is the Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments and garlands from the 60ies and 70ies of the 20th century, with snowflakes made of wadding, with walnuts and apples. Around the tree are exhibited decorations, Santa Claus figurines, bells and gifts for children offered by Santa - dolls, bears, puppies, trains, and so on. The exhibition offers the opportunity to (re)discover the favorite decorations and toys from our childhood, or that of our parents and grandparents.

The postcards give a note of originality to the exhibition. They are meant to show the magic of the winter holidays. They make up moments that descend from childhood fairy tales with Santa Claus, reindeers, fairy-tale landscapes with the spirit of Christmas, snowmen, fir trees, gifts, etc.

In the displayed images the exhibition shows an evolution of the representation of Santa Claus over hundreds of years, from the seventeenth century to the present day. Santa's representations have transformed over time, either according to the imagination of painters or cartoonists, or to the available drawing technique or the peculiarities of the times.

The exhibition "Christmas Memories" is the gift offered by the National Museum of History of Moldova at the end of year to all visitors, but especially to children.

#Exhibit of the Month

Portrait of Mihai Eminescu by Alexandru Gușanov

„Christmas Memories”

20 December, 2017 – 14 January, 2018

#Exhibit of the Month