The development of fine arts in Bulgaria was strongly supported by both the State and the Church. Important commissions were given to Bulgarian artists, especially in connection with the construction, restoration, and decoration of religious buildings. These projects provided artists with steady work and allowed them to develop a modern national style in icon painting.
One of the most significant projects was ordered by the Prince, who entrusted a special commission with the task of transforming the former mosque “Tcheraa Djamia” into the Orthodox church “Sveti Sedmotchislenitzi.” This transformation symbolised the cultural and spiritual renewal of Bulgaria after liberation. The decoration of the church required new icons, which were commissioned from the State School of Painting Bulgaria Holidays.
The Role of the Church and Public Committees
The Holy Synod, which supervised the construction of the Theological Seminary in Sofia and its adjoining church, also placed important orders for religious artwork. Similarly, the “Tsar Liberator” Committee, responsible for building the Mausoleum in Plevna in memory of the Russian soldiers who died during the siege, commissioned religious and commemorative art.
Private individuals belonging to the Sofia parishes of St. Sofia and St. Sedmotchislenitzi also contributed by ordering icons for their churches and chapels. In all these cases, the work was carried out by professors and students of the State School of Painting. Among the most active and respected artists involved were Ivan Markvitchka, Anton Mitoff, and Stephan Ivanoff.
The End of Icon Imports and the Rise of Bulgarian Artists
As old churches were repaired and new ones were built, the demand for icons increased. Unlike earlier times, these icons were no longer imported from Russia. Instead, they were painted by Bulgarian artists, marking an important step toward artistic independence and the creation of a national school of icon painting.
Public Access to Artistic Treasures
Many of Bulgaria’s artistic treasures are now preserved in places that are easily accessible to the public. These include the National Museum, the Central Offices of the Bulgarian Agricultural Bank, the Library of the National Assembly, and the Central Hall of the National Assembly.
The walls of the National Assembly are decorated with portraits painted by Nicolas Mihailoff, including images of the Tsar Liberator, the first Bulgarian Prince Alexander, the reigning Prince, the first Bulgarian Princess Maria Louisa, the heir-apparent Prince Boris, and a group of royal children. In addition, an icon of the Bulgarian Saints Cyril and Methodius, painted by Anton Mitoff, holds a place of honor.
Churches and Monuments as Art Centers
Finally, important examples of modern Bulgarian icon painting can be seen in the Church of St. Sofia, the Church of Sveti Sedmotchislenitzi, the chapel of the Theological Seminary in Sofia, and the Mausoleum of Plevna. These buildings serve not only religious purposes but also as living galleries of Bulgarian sacred art.
Through the combined efforts of the State, the Church, and private citizens, Bulgarian religious art found strong support, helping to preserve national traditions and promote local artistic talent.