#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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Opening of the "I Love Sushi" exhibition

July 13, 2023

On July 13, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, took place the opening of the "I Love Sushi" exhibition, organized in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Moldova and the Japan Foundation.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova, Yamada Yoichiro, emphasized the close connection between food and a country's culture, expressing its attitude towards life through ingredients, the method of preparation and associated culinary traditions. His Excellency also noted that although sushi may seem like a simple food, fishermen in Japan have developed specific skills over the centuries to clean and preserve the fish immediately after the catch, keeping it fresh and tasty. Like many peoples with distinct culinary traditions, the Japanese are proud of their national cuisine, which reflects aspects of life. In 2013, UNESCO included Washoku, the traditional Japanese food, in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Livia Sîrbu, deputy director at the National Museum of History of Moldova, explained the exhibition concept, which was developed by the Japanese Foundation and is described in a manual on the basis of which the exhibition was organized. The exhibition is divided into three sections: introduction to sushi and discoveries related to this food, sushi in the Edo period, which highlights the cultural differences of this art, and sushi today. The exhibition has already been successfully hosted in Bucharest and is to be inaugurated in Spain as well.

Ana Varzari, general secretary at the Ministry of Culture, mentioned that Japan and the Republic of Moldova celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations in March 2022, emphasizing the importance of this partnership. Both diplomatic missions made significant efforts to strengthen and promote national culture. Japanese gastronomic culture is characterized by naturalness, beauty and tradition, and sushi has become a famous creation of Japanese cuisine, influencing Western customs.

The "I Love Sushi" exhibition will be open to the general public until August 15, in Hall no. 1, ground floor, National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Portrait of Mihai Eminescu by Alexandru Gușanov

Opening of the "I Love Sushi" exhibition

July 13, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month