Artwork
Hora de la Țuțora
Hora de la Țuțora is a print by Bardasare P. Emanoil. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Moldova National Museum Complex. Created around 1892, this work by Bardasare P.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1892, this work by Bardasare P. Emanoil captures a communal dance taking place in a rural Romanian village at twilight. Figures form a circle on a compact, earthen street, their movements animated by the fading light. The composition is framed by modest dwellings with thatched roofs and a line of trees that border the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a traditional folk celebration, emphasizing collective participation across ages and genders. Participants hold hands, clap, and some play simple instruments, suggesting a ritual of social cohesion and seasonal festivity. The central female figure, distinguished by a dark shawl and a staff, may symbolize a leading role within the communal rite.
Technique & Style
Emanoil renders the figures with careful attention to costume detail, highlighting embroidered vests, wide skirts, and bright ribbons. The palette employs warm, muted tones that blend into a golden evening sky, while the soft illumination creates a gentle contrast between the illuminated dancers and the shadowed surroundings.
History & Provenance
The artwork dates to the early 1890s, a period when Romanian artists increasingly documented rural customs. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s own collection before entering public holdings, though specific acquisition records remain limited.
Context
During the late 19th century, Romanian visual culture was shaped by a growing interest in national folklore and peasant life. This painting aligns with that trend, offering a visual record of regional dress, architecture, and communal practices characteristic of the era.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Bardasare P. Emanoil painted rural scenes and portraits in late 19th-century Romania. His brush traced village life in works like Burdujenii cu Suceava și Munții Bucovinei and Hora de la Țuțora, while his etchings…
