University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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THE VRIA-LEBANON ROOM 12

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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

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Brought intact from Damascus, the Syria-Lebanon Room— built originally in 1782—was once the actual library of a wealthy merchant. Smallest of the Nationality Rooms it shows a mixture of European and Oriental art forms. Persian, Phoenician and Italian Renaissance designs are effectively muted by the flowing Arabic patterns. Unusual painted gesso decoration on the walls developed from the Byzantine influence in the Near East. The relief effect is achieved by applying a special chalk-paste to wood. When dry, the raised design is carved and skillfully painted with rich oranges, pinks and greens on a background of bronze and gold leaf accented with black. The vaulted niche is called the Mihrab. Of typical Moslem construction, this family altar points toward Mecca where Mohammed was born. Embossed wall-cabinets hold books, ceramics and brass-ware from Syria. The closed linden wood doors are shutters which in Syria keep out the intense heat of the sun but let in cool night air. The marble floor beneath the coffee table meets the marble of the built-in divans with their thick satin cushions. Lighting the room, a great chandelier holds cups once filled with Lebanon oil. In its color and exotic delicacy, the room is much like the luxurious interiors of centuries ago when knowledge was for the few and Europe was just awakening to the wonders of the East. 3