“Resurrection of Lazarus”, icon of the century. XVIII, bearing the signature of one of the most famous iconographers, Kostandin Zografit, will remain on display for two years, in the premises of UNESCO, near the office of the Director General, Audrey Azoulay. In the long corridor, filled with pieces of cultural heritage from all over the world, there is now an object of Albanian cultural heritage.

According to the inscription on it, the “Raising of Lazarus” icon was made in 1770. This icon decorated the “Life-Giving Source” church in Korça and represents one of the most famous biblical scenes, that of the resurrection of Lazarus by Christ. The icon is made on a monolithic panel of walnut, measuring 54.5 x 44 x 3.5 cm with egg tempera.

This icon was part of the exhibition a year ago, opened on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of UNESCO, and after its closure, “The Resurrection of Lazarus”, along with other works of the exhibition, was returned to Albania. near the Medieval Museum of Korça. By order of the Minister of Culture and on a 2-year contract with UNESCO, this object traveled to Paris and will remain on display in UNESCO’s premises.

During the exhibition ceremony, which took place on November 20, 2019, in the presence of guests from the Albanian community in Paris, Mrs. Azoulay expressed his satisfaction that “this extraordinary work of revival and hope is exhibited in the premises of UNESCO”.

“Besides the message of resurrection, this icon also carries another message. Zografi was a master of color and strong contrasts, and despite the fact that it is a biblical scene, the author also used local motifs. This is the reason why he was chosen”, said the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti.

In a very cordial meeting, Azoulay expressed his interest in learning more about Albania. Minister Margariti informed him about the initiatives that the Albanian government is undertaking for the protection and conservation of material and spiritual cultural heritage; in encouraging and sensitizing for the transmission of the best traditions in handicrafts; for the “100 villages” program, which aims to involve local communities in the development of these centers, etc.

In particular Mrs. Azoulay showed interest in the establishment of the Jewish Museum in Vlora and the Jewish Cultural Center in Tirana. She said that the story of the rescue of the Jews from the Nazis, during the Second World War, should be made as widely known as possible throughout the world. The Director General of UNESCO expressed her desire to visit Albania.