16 Byzantine icons to the Louvre were secretly exported from Ukraine under fire - the media (photo)

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the collection of the Hanenko Museum has been transported to a safe place, and the building in the Ukrainian capital is empty in the Ukrainian capital. 16 Byzantine icons were evacuated from the Hanenko Museum under fire. Deutsche Welle informs about it. A rocket fell near the establishment. The windows were knocked out as a result of the fall.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, its collection has been transported to a safe place, and now the building is empty. Already in October 2022, the historic building and its interior decoration were affected by the rocket stroke. The rest of the works of art are now at risk due to temperature fluctuations caused by power outage.

The combination of five icons of 16 works previously brought to France demonstrates the ancient heritage at the same time, in which Byzantine civilization originates. It is an existing demonstration of an image that characterizes artistic expression in Eastern Christianity. Visitors to the famous institution in France will be able to get acquainted with icons in the VI and VII centuries. Such works come from the monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai.

The Constantinople micromosaic icon of the late XIII - early XIV centuries is also presented. It is decorated with a unique gold frame. Ukrainian works of art, including valuable Byzantine icons, will be stored in the Louvre as long as the war is ongoing. Five works are presented to the public as part of the Exhibition "The Origins of the Holy Image", which will last until November 6. We will remind, in December 2022 law enforcement officers found in the temples of the UOC MP icon.