Two of Dimitar Gyudzhenov’s Iconic Paintings Undergo Restoration

Two of the most iconic paintings by artist Dimitar Gyudzhenov are undergoing restoration at the National Art Gallery. The painting Khan Kubrat and His Sons and the portrait of Tsar Simeon will feature in an exhibition in Stara Zagora marking the 135th anniversary of the artist’s birth. The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture and forms part of the 2026 National Cultural Calendar.

Generations of Bulgarians have become familiar with these paintings through their history textbooks, but few have had the opportunity to see them in person. For decades, two of Dimitar Gyudzhenov’s most iconic works have “resided” in the National Assembly and the Presidency.

Dr Katya Tineva-Gyurkovska, Director of the Stara Zagora Art Gallery: “Access to these paintings has been extremely limited, and now we have the opportunity to present them in an exhibition. Decades have passed without the public having access to them. Generations of Bulgarians, both children and older people, will now be able to see the original works.”

In the past, it was common practice for iconic works of art to be loaned to state institutions for temporary display. This is how the painting of Tsar Simeon came to be housed in the Coat of Arms Hall at the Presidency, while Khan Kubrat and His Sons was placed in the National Assembly.

Rayna Antonova, Chief Curator of the Modern History Department at the Regional Museum of History in Stara Zagora: “Tsar Simeon is depicted in all his majesty, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre. In his hands, he holds part of a parchment, emphasising his support for Bulgarian scholarship and culture.”

The painting Khan Kubrat and His Sons is an impressive 206 centimetres high and 258 centimetres wide.

Dr Katya Tineva-Gyurkovska, Director of the Stara Zagora Art Gallery: “In this work, Dimitar Gyudzhenov places the elderly ruler at the centre of the composition. He raises his hand dramatically, holding a staff which he has driven into the ground. Before him lies a bundle of sticks, while his sons stand around him.”

A total of 16 paintings by Gyudzhenov are currently undergoing restoration at the National Art Gallery. Only the painting of Tsar Simeon has yet to be completed, although its restoration is progressing smoothly thanks to the good conditions in which it has been kept and the artist’s sound technical preparation.

Dr Milena Donkova, Head of the Conservation and Restoration Laboratory at the National Art Gallery: “The work requires an overall cleaning. This involves removing surface dirt, as well as regenerating the varnish, which becomes cloudy and yellowed over time.”

The two paintings, together with dozens of other works by Gyudzhenov from across the country, will be displayed at the Regional Museum of History in Stara Zagora from 25 November until the end of the year.