Artwork

Sfânta Treime; Sfânta Troiță, Filoxenia, Cina de la Mamvri

Sfânta Treime; Sfânta Troiță, Filoxenia, Cina de la Mamvri, by Unknown, 1850
Sfânta Treime; Sfânta Troiță, Filoxenia, Cina de la Mamvri, by Unknown, 1850

Sfânta Treime; Sfânta Troiță, Filoxenia, Cina de la Mamvri is a drawing by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania. The composition presents four winged figures gathered on a richly draped red cloth.

About this work

Overview

Behind them, two women are positioned in doorways, while a row of buildings with red tiled roofs and gold trim completes the background.

The composition presents four winged figures gathered on a richly draped red cloth. At the centre sits a figure in a blue garment, crowned with a golden halo and holding a circular object. Flanking this central presence are two kneeling angels, one clad in gold, the other in green, each also bearing a halo. Behind them, two women are positioned in doorways, while a row of buildings with red tiled roofs and gold trim completes the background.

Subject & Meaning

The central, haloed figure is rendered as a saint, likely representing the Holy Trinity, suggested by the title’s reference to the "Sfânta Treime" (Holy Trinity). The accompanying angels reinforce the sacred atmosphere, while the two women in the doorway may symbolize earthly witnesses or patrons. The inclusion of a tree in the upper right introduces a natural element that balances the otherwise formal, hierarchical arrangement.

Technique & Style

The work employs a gold‑leaf background that illuminates the halos and emphasizes the divine status of the figures. The use of vivid reds, blues, gold, and green creates a striking chromatic contrast, while the detailed rendering of fabrics and architectural elements reflects a Byzantine‑influenced iconographic tradition. The figures’ wings and halos are stylized rather than naturalistic, underscoring their spiritual rather than corporeal nature.

Context

The painting’s title combines several Romanian religious terms—"Sfânta Treime," "Sfânta Troiță," "Filoxenia," and "Cina de la Mamvri"—linking it to liturgical themes such as the Holy Trinity, the Holy Cross, hospitality, and the Last Supper. Such titles suggest the work was intended for a church setting or a devotional space, aligning with Eastern Orthodox visual conventions prevalent in the region during the period of its creation.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known