Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Museum of Israel Exhibits Ancient Christian Frescos

It was partially closed but now the Museum of Israel has reopened its doors to the public after undergoing a major restructuring. Among the new features is an enlargement of the archaeological gallery which tells the story of the ancient land of Israel, the cradle of religions and cultures. Arranged chronologically, from prehistory to the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, the exhibition presents important historical events, cultural and technological achievements, and offers a glimpse of daily life in the region. The exhibition also contains treasures of neighboring cultures that have had a decisive impact on the land of Israel - such as Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Islamic world.

DENA WOSNER - Museum of Israel - Jerusalem
"I think the museum has tried to present these objects according to a timeline. You have a perception of what existed from the beginning until now, who has lived in this land and how, for example, have left their dead. And particularly here, where we are, is the source of the three great religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. "

The reconstruction of a church, Islamic elements present in a mosque and a synagogue, the Jewish place of worship, recreate the same religious mosaic environment of the Holy Land. But for Christians who visit the museum, it doesn't stop there. A large painting takes up almost the entire wall of the gallery. It was discovered in 1999 in the Tomb of Mary, near the garden of Gethsemane, the place of Jesus' agony. It's the first time that this great discovery has been exposed to the public after undergoing a slow restoration process. The dimensions are very impressive. It is the largest fresco ever discovered on an archaeological site in the country.

NA'AMA Brosh, Fresco Exhibition Curator 
"The excavation was carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The painting was initially to 9 metres high, but found only in the background. It is a scene of what we call Deesis in Greek, which means intercession, prayer. Jesus is in the center, Mary on the one side and John the Baptist on the other, interceding for humanity. "

The fresco from the period of the Crusades, the 12th century, was inspired by the Byzantine tradition. This is a rare piece: after the destruction of churches by the army of the Muslim leader Saladin, similar pieces survived only in paintings such as those of Bethlehem and Abu Gosh. Everything indicates that it was part of the decorative design of a dining room in a monastery. It shows a Latin inscription thought to be of St. Augustine, and one of his exhortations to monks. This is a permanent exhibition. Thousands of Israelis and tourists are expected, especially in the coming weeks.

Posted via email from deaconjohn's posterous

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please no anonymous comments. I require at least some way for people to address each other personally and courteously. Having some name or handle helps.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.