Contemporary Romanian painting on glass in the Musee des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Mediterranee

In contemporary Romania, painting on glass has become a veritable social phenomenon. Since the fall of communism, orthodox fervour has blossomed. Icons painted on glass have once again become the expression of the community of the church and the individual within a domestic universe. Their combined fragility, uniqueness and preventative value have made these paintings the material testimony to a personal or familial rite of passage. This art form has exploited modern day technical contributions in terms of the quality of glass, the use of artificial colours, and the combination of pictorial techniques. Unlike the nineteenth century, present day painters often have a knowledge of art history and of iconography. Starting out with traditional themes, they interpret these in a personal manner to create original works which are nevertheless inspired by Byzantine iconographic tradition. The MCEM is one of the first institutions to give such paintings due consideration as artistic production.