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Imperial doors
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Imperial doors; 1661; origin unknown; tempera on woodcarving;
171x98 cm. National History Museum,. The composition of the imperial doors depicts in the upper part the Annunciation (on the two wings) and in the lower part - three saints and St. Nicholas portrayed in full face and height in traditional vestments and with topological features. Plastic modeling with a plant ornament decorates the door. Arched frames encircle the saints' images. Along the vertical line there are plastically oiled columns and capitals, richly decorated. The painted composition of the Annunciation and the images of saints prevails over the wood carving. The image of the Virgin, the posture and classical proportions nearly duplicate the image featured in the imperial doors of Pathmos from the Byzantine Museum in Athens. Similar is also the depiction of the saints in full height in the lower part of the imperial doors. The Pathmos imperial doors are an outstanding piece of Italy-Cretan art. The plastic decoration is exquisite, delicate and organizes space by creating a distinct structure close to the Gothic style. The style of painting resembles the imperial doors from Turnovo and Nessebur dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The donor's inscription in Greek indicates the year of painting |