95. Calinic Miclescu, The Primat Metropolitan of Ungro-Vlachia [1879]

Open to various forms of art - easel painting, lithography or photography - the artist Carol Popp de Szathmari was a witness to the most significant events of his era. His interest in history, human beings and nature, along with his sharp observational spirits, were to convert him into a remarkable painter and photographer of reality. A passionate traveler and imbued with a romantic spirit, the artist traversed Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Persia, even reaching the Romanian kingdom throughout his journeys. He would settle in Bucharest around 1843, quickly becoming a favorite at the royal court. He would work for the ruling Bibescu/Știrbei brothers, become painter and photographer for Prince Cuza, and after 1866, a favorite of the Royal House in the position of an official artist. The year 1866 marked the ascent of Prince Carol to Romania's leadership, who would keep Szathmari in his service, initiating an important relationship. Among the important portraits he would create during the following period would be the "Portrait of the Metropolitan Calinic Miclescu". Calinic Miclescu held the roles of Metropolitan of Moldova (1865-1875), Metropolitan of Ungro-Vlahia (1875-1886) and Primate Metropolitan of Romania (1875-1886). He was a member of the Ad-Hoc Divan of Moldova (October 7, 1857). He was elected Metropolitan of Moldova on May 10, 1865. Following the death of Metropolitan Nifon Rusailă he was elected Metropolitan of Ungro-Vlahia and by default, Primate Metropolitan of Romania (May 31, 1875). During his tenure, he supported the opening of the courses of the Theology Faculty in Bucharest (1881), the establishment of the Church Book Printing House (1882), the consecration of the Holy and Great Chrism in Romania for the first time (1882), and the recognition of the autocephaly of the Romanian Orthodox Church (1885).

References

PĂCURARIU, Mircea, "Dictionary of Romanian Theologians", Andreiana Publishing House, Sibiu, 2004.

Dimensions

width 86 cm, height 125 cm

Description

ulei pe pânză, signed and dated lower right, in red, "Szathmari, 1879"

Research information

A version of the work, dated 1878, is reproduced in the exhibition catalogue "Carol Popp de Szatmary", National Cotroceni Museum, Bucharest, 2012, on pp. 68-69, originating from the collection of the Bucharest City Museum.

Dating

1879

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