LAURA TURCAN, Votive paintings of high dignitaries of Wallachia (XV-XVII cent.). Expressing personal,
social and political ideals through religious scenes
This study examines some of the votive paintings of high offi cials from Wallachia, XV-XVII cent. –
the great ban of Craiova Barbu Craiovescu, founder of Bistrita monastery, spatharios Diicu Buicescu,
founder of Clocociov monastery, along with portraits of the logothete Giura, the High Steward Stroe Buzescu and logothete Tudor, painted on their foundation of Stăneşti. Their votive paintings
on the frescoes of the churches and monasteries have great documentary value and, besides the
religious aspects, they also refl ect social, political and biographical aspects. Since art in the Middle
Ages was predominantly Christian, the founders of places of worship expressed their wishes and
aspirations through religious themes. This text highlights the association between the portraits of
the founders and some iconographic themes.
KEYWORDS: votive paintings, Barbu Craiovescu, Diicu Buicescu, logothete Giura, logothete Tudor,
High Steward Stroe, Bistriţa monastery, Clocociov monastery, church of Stăneşti

LAURA TURCAN