|
The impressive construction work in Preslav, the
new capital, during the reign of Simeon the Great (893-927), sought
to establish more secure fortifications and protection for the city.
To a greater extent, efforts were made to turn the town into a
center that would rival Constantinople in grandeur and original
architectural designs. In the very beginning of 10th century, John
Ekzarh described in writing what a traveler could see upon entering
the Palace: “…palaces and castles, touching the sky; churches -
abundantly decorated with stone, wood, and beautiful hues; the
inside - all made of marble, copper, gold and silver”. During the
ages, the metalwork was all plundered, and the wood rotted away.
However, many of the beautifully sculpted stone pieces survived,
justifying the ancient writer’s words. |
|
| CAPITAL WITH RABBITS | |
|
|
This capital (console), made of white marble, was part of the architectural decoration of the Round (Golden) Church in Preslav. The artist sculpted it deeply and precisely, forming a complicated composition of rabbits’ figures, as well as palm leaves and grapes. Is it an early Renaissance depiction of pastoral life? Or is it à sophisticated message to medieval people, somehow connected to their traditional and religious outlook on life with interwoven important political events? It doesn’t matter! Let’s have a look at this masterpiece and listen to its story.
|
|
A FLYING GRIFFON |
|
|
|
It was sculpted in a marble edge block that was part of a doorframe of the Preslavian palaces. The mythical animal is depicted among a frieze of palm-leaf ornamentation walking in solemn motion for eternity. Due to its exquisite make, royal symbolism, and connection to the glorious past, this image has become the emblem of modern Veliki Preslav.
|
|
CAPITAL WITH A FLOWERING CROSS - a find from the Palace monastery |
|
|
|
It was made of white marble. In the capital, the “flowering cross” motif was popular, covered with an arch and palm branches, and was sculpted on all four sides. Many experts believe that the three dots on the sides of the cross represent the “tears” shed over Christ’s crucifixion. What we could ask, however, is, ‘Are these drops of tree sap symbolizing the Resurrection of a dead tree, touched by Faith, “… Truth and Life”?’ The answer is for you to choose. |
|
MARBLE SLABSTONE
WITH AN EAGLE - from the North fortress wall of the Early Aul |
|
|
|
Its form is rectangular. A wide frame surrounds the relief space. The plate is extremely fragmented and its surface badly crumbled due to scorching. Luckily, almost wholly preserved is the relief composition, representing an eagle with a doe clutched in his claws. According to Eastern philosophy, that is the way to represent opposites and the everlasting concept of good and evil. In Christianity, the image of the deer symbolizes the Soul trying to reach God. This aesthetically sculpted relief probably served as a daily reminder of the transition of life and the inevitable torment of the Orthodox Soul in search for the right way to the Outer World.
|
