#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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Events Archive

The Second Edition of the Author's Wine Festival

September 7-8, 2024

On September 7-8, 2024, the National History Museum of Moldova hosted the second edition of the Author's Wine Festival, a now traditional event that brings together small local wine producers and wine enthusiasts. Organized by the Association of Small Wine Producers of Moldova, with support from USAID Moldova through the Competitiveness and Rural Resilience Project, the National Office of Vine and Wine, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, the festival provided visitors with an authentic and diverse experience where wine culture met historical tradition.

In the museum's courtyard, 36 Moldovan wineries showcased their finest wines, from local varieties like Feteasca Neagră and Rara Neagră to Moldovan interpretations of international wines. The event offered the public a unique opportunity to discover the stories and traditions behind each bottle, with each tasting providing an insight into the local winemaking art.

The National History Museum of Moldova contributed to the festival's atmosphere with a special exhibition dedicated to the history of winemaking and viticulture traditions. One of the standout exhibits was the imprint of a grapevine leaf discovered in the Cucuteni site of Brînzeni VIII "Sâiece" in 1980 by Vsevolod Marchevici. This relic illustrates the ancient and continuous winemaking traditions in our region, connecting the festival to a millennia-old cultural heritage.

Present at the event, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Mr. Andrian Digolean, remarked: "The Festival of Author Wines reflects the richness and diversity of winemaking in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the small producers who passionately contribute to promoting our winemaking traditions. It is an excellent opportunity to support the wine sector and emphasize the importance of Moldovan wine in international markets."

Throughout the two-day event, visitors participated in guided tastings led by renowned sommeliers, masterclasses, Wine Talks sessions, and enjoyed live concerts by Cristina Scarlat Band, Mahaya Band, and DJ Wade. The festive atmosphere was complemented by cultural and recreational activities, attracting over 4,500 participants from both Moldova and Romania.

A highlight of the festival was the visit of President Maia Sandu, who honored the event with her presence and emphasized the importance of supporting small wine producers, a vital sector for the country's economy and culture. The President appreciated the diversity of wines presented and the organizers' efforts to create a platform to promote local values.

This festival was not only a celebration of quality wine but also an opportunity to honor Moldova's winemaking traditions, deeply rooted in history and an integral part of our cultural identity.

#Exhibit of the Month

Portrait of Mihai Eminescu by Alexandru Gușanov

The Second Edition of the Author's Wine Festival

September 7-8, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month