Life through the Ages

The photograph depicts young trees growing on the brick walls of an estate that once belonged to Mykhailo Ivanovych Tereshchenko, a renowned Ukrainian collector, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. The estate was built in the village of Denyshi, Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, designed by the architect Hollandsky at the end of the 19th century.

The trees that have grown on the old brick wall of the building, which remains as a fragment of the Tereshchenko philanthropists' estate, along with the empty window frames in this wall, create a composition that serves as a visual statement — life is possible through indomitable will. It reminds us of the frailty of the material world, heavenly forces, and good deeds, prompting the viewer to reflect on eternal values.

Moreover, the concept of this composition reminds us of the Tereshchenko family history, for whom good deeds were the essence of life. The Tereshchenko dynasty is known for its contribution to the development of philanthropy in world history. In Kyiv alone, their legacy includes the establishment of four renowned museums: the National Art Museum of Ukraine, the Museum of Russian Art, the Museum of Western and Oriental Art (Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum), and the Taras Shevchenko Museum. Tereshchenko’s funds also financed the construction of social institutions, the Red Cross, and many other projects throughout Europe. The Tereshchenko family crest bore the motto: "By striving for public benefit."

Overall, the visual image in the photograph reflects a profound truth: philanthropy and love for people and beauty are the essence of true life, mirroring eternal values.

© VarrIng, 2024