An exhibition of ancient icons and sculptures from the collection of President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine opens at the Alexander Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow on Tuesday, according to Itar-Tass.
A Museum official has told Itar-Tass, "The exhibition on the theme of `At the Altar of the Times: Sculpture and Folk Icon of the19th Century` " will acquaint visitors with works made by crafstmen in various regions of Ukraine in the18th and 19th centuries".
In all, about 100 items are on display. These are small sculptures representing saints, crucifixes, as well as icons that were an integral part of the life of peasants and were kept in village homes. The shrines were created by unknown masters who lacked professional education and in their creative endeavor were conventionally were guided by the canonical rules for the representation of saints.
On view are also a number of sculpted images of St Nicholas the Intercessor, wooden figurines of angels that are represented in the images of youths and girls.
Visitors will also se a number of icons, with Guzul [ethnic group of Western Ukrainians] ones holding a special place among them. They are painted on glass, due to which representations acquire special, intense color.
Exhibits in Moscow constitute only part of the collection amassed by the President of Ukraine. As is known, Viktor Yushchenko is a collector of not only icons and sculptures but also of ancient books, gonfalons, and pictures showing biblical scenes. The collection also includes objects of folk life, and Ukrainian national costumes.
