Artwork
Sf. Treime și Ceata apostolilor
Sf. Treime și Ceata apostolilor is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Lică Zugravul. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1798 by the Romanian painter Lică Zugravul, “Sf. Treime și Ceata apostolilor” is an oil on canvas now conserved in the Museum of Ethnography. The composition centers on two robed figures beneath an architectural arch, holding a tall cross topped with a star, while a group of kneeling figures in red garments occupy the lower register.
Subject & Meaning
The dominant pair are presented as holy leaders, each crowned with a halo and bearing solemn expressions, suggesting a depiction of the Holy Trinity. The star‑crowned cross they support reinforces the divine theme. The kneeling attendants, some clutching books, likely represent apostles or disciples, emphasizing reverence and the transmission of sacred knowledge.
Technique & Style
Zugravul employs a dark, muted background punctuated by faded gold, creating a subtle contrast that highlights the illuminated figures. The brushwork on the robes and the intricate detailing of the cross reveal a careful handling of texture, while the carved wooden borders frame the scene with a tactile, ornamental quality typical of late‑18th‑century Romanian ecclesiastical art.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced at the close of the 18th century, a period of flourishing folk iconography in the region. It entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display, providing insight into the religious visual culture of the era and the work of Lică Zugravul.
Context
The work reflects the Orthodox tradition of portraying the Trinity and apostolic community, integrating symbolic elements such as the star‑adorned cross and the use of red robes for the kneeling figures. Its architectural arch and decorative frame echo contemporary church interiors, situating the piece within the broader visual language of Romanian sacred art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lică Zugravul was a wandering wall painter who left his mark on churches from Iași to Buzău, signing his work with a little drawing of a donkey—his signature, not a joke.
