University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

Page 23 text:

Old Russian spirit recaptures in this room the many artistic forms of religious faith and homey philosophy close to Russian temperament. Details of carving throughout the room are designs handed down from a distant past. A solid feeling of sense and order is apparent in the geometric diamond shapes around the frame which holds the banner of 67. George and the Dragon, the fitted patterns on the students' chairs and the table apron. These basic forms date back to extremely old sources untouched by the creative evolution in Western Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Sunflower patterns enrich the corner cabinet—they denote the force of life in the world and suggest the fanciful imagery inherited from medieval Persian art. The jewel-encrusted icon of Our Lady of Vladimir above the cabinet is an original masterpiece of the seventeenth century, showing great regard for religious fervor and dedicated workmanship learned from Byzantine artisans. The great oaken entrance door is arched in a half-octagon and has hinges of wrought-iron. The deep doorjambs are further ornamented with floral and geometric patterns repeated in the wainscot and the oak furniture. The rising sun at the top of the Russian-styled door is a symbol of the vastness of the motherland and also implies the hope of a richer future for every Russian. 11

Page 22 text:

THE RUSSIAN ROOM 10

Page 24 text:

THE VRIA-LEBANON ROOM 12