TIRANA, Dec 25 /ATA/ On Christmas Eve, Prime Minister Edi Rama extended his wishes to Christian believers with the icon “The Nativity,” painted by the 17th-century artist Teacher Kostandini, originating from the Church of St. Michael in Vithkuq, Korça.
“With this newly restored icon, which comes to us as a testament of art and faith from the 17th century, I wish all Christian believers a Merry Christmas,” writes Rama.
This icon was created in an artistic style that became widespread in the southeastern regions of Albania and Macedonia during the 17th century, reflecting an anticlassical influence.
The icon is characterized by an excessive naivety, a limited colour palette, and linear drawing, yet with a unique, highly sensitive, and artistic interpretation. The author has signed it “by the hand of Kostandin the monk,” a rare instance where a post-Byzantine painter refers to himself as a teacher.
Christian believers, both Catholic and Orthodox, celebrate Christmas today, the landmark day in the religious calendar marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Catholics attend Midnight Mass tonight, while Orthodox believers gather in church tomorrow, reserving the evening for family celebrations.
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