University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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THE ZECHOSLOVAK ROOM 14

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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

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Freedom and truth are the two great ideals of the Czechoslovak peoples. Dominating their cheerful room is a bronze relief of Thomas G. Masarvk, greatest personality of the Czechs and Slovaks. It is embedded in the front wall between the words v' “Pravda Vitezi,” “Truth Conquers.” Cast for its exact position the portrait suggests with the nation’s motto that here nothing unworthy can be learned or taught, that the poison of prejudice is neutralized. Flowers of botanical accuracy are painted on the larch rafters as in Slovak country churches. Other designs are creations of fantasy. Miraculous trees, delightful concepts of the love of life where bright birds and insects perch and buzz among oddly mixed leaves, fruits and flowers, are deftly painted on the window wall. The unusual ceiling has six panels portraying famous men in Czechoslovak history. Further beauty is added by the use of wood inlay. The desk is ornamented with panels symbolizing higher knowledge. A spray of linden appears on the reading stand as an emblem of homelife. Upholstered in red leather, oak furniture with heart-shaped apertures contrast strikingly with mellow white walls. Opposite the entrance a wrought-iron shrine encases a handwritten letter from President Masarvk to Pitt students, proclaiming education the workshop of the world. The whole room is-a shrine recognizing Czechoslovakia’s inspirational ideals. 5