On the occasion of Sretenje, the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, we are proud to present an exhibition that, starting February 14, will bring together a rare, unique, elegant, and one of the most beautiful 14th-century earrings from the Ethnographic Memorial Collection of Hristifor Crnilović, alongside calligraphy works by the students of the School of Calligraphy.
After more than five decades, the earring will once again be presented to the public. Made of gilded silver and modeled on Byzantine designs, it originates from Ohrid and was created during the rule of the Nemanjić dynasty, belonging to the Serbian nobility of that era. Its style, noble materials, and refined craftsmanship make it a representative example of medieval jewelry. Because of its artistic and historical value, as well as the significance it carries, Hristifor Crnilović included this earring in his collection as one of the most important examples of 14th-century jewelry.
In the frescoes of the Church of the Virgin Odigitria in the Patriarchate of Peć, as well as in the Church of the Virgin Ljeviška in Prizren, Saint Sunday (Kyriaki) is depicted wearing round earrings adorned with large pearls, corresponding to the type of the exhibited piece. Alongside the earring, visitors will also be able to see printed images of these frescoes, allowing for a direct comparison between the jewelry and its visual representation.
A dialogue between past and present will be further established through the calligraphy works of the students of the School of Calligraphy, which the public will also have the opportunity to view in the exhibition. Since 2016, the School of Calligraphy has been successfully led by the academic painter and our long-term collaborator Danica Veselinović, and the displayed works testify to the lively and enduring inspiration that cultural heritage provides to contemporary artistic expression.
This exhibition celebrates Sretenje as a holiday of statehood, cultural identity, and continuity, inviting the public to explore the lasting value of art and heritage that connects centuries.
For reference, the exhibition will be open to visitors from February 14 to 17, with free admission, during the museum’s regular opening hours.
