За художествения език в стъклописите на Софийската съдебна палата: в търсене на националната идентичност
On the artistic language in the stained-glass pieces at Sofia Palace of Justice: in a quest for national identity

Summary/Abstract: Sofia Palace of Justice is a largely public building with thousands of people of various backgrounds, mentalities, and dispositions crossing its areas. The monumental decorative artworks in the building are widely accessible to various publics. Ivan Penkov’s stained-glass pieces, found in different places within the building are among the most appealing works in the interior of the Palace. These were topical at the time of their creation, retaining their aesthetical and artistic qualities for posterity. Being a professional, Penkov imparted to his compositions much more symbolism than discernible on the face of it. He carefully wrought each detail impregnating it with a number of connotations. The stained- glass pieces retain the actuality of their messages to this day. One of the elements he has used, for instance, is book. In the stained glasses designed by the artist it becomes a symbol of the eternal and all-embracing knowledge, of primal wisdom and supreme law. Sword is another major element. Combining a sword with a book, the author focuses viewer’s attention on the power, significance, and the rule of law. At the same time he suggests a harsh but just in its essence punishment, meted out to those committing, both wittingly and unwittingly, a breach of law. As a third no less important element Ivan Penkov uses the central part of Bulgaria’s national emblem, seeking to establish Bulgarian national identity through this symbol. Due to being imbued with symbolism, Ivan Penkov’s stained glasses are worth studying and analysing even now.

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