Many monumental figurative compositions, dating back to various epochs, have been preserved on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Crucifixions with the image of Jesus Christ, made in stone or timber and situated in the village cemeteries or crossroads, are considered to be the oldest ones. In spite of demolitions caused by forced atheistic campaigns among population, undertaken by Communist authorities during the Soviet period, there are still several samples of such crucifixions, which are dating from the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries. In such monumental compositions, named in popular etymology as "trinities", the images of crucified Jesus Christ, flanked by the Holy Virgin and Apostle John are presented. There are frequent cases, when Adam's skull is represented at the cross base, whereas at the cross summit a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit is portrayed. In certain cases, the images of three Holy Mary's, assisting at the development of drama on Golgota Mountain, are depicted. The technique of realization of the aforementioned crucifixions is close to the language of native craftsmen, which is similar, in its turn, to naive art. One of the most beautiful stone "trinities" in the Republic of Moldova is located in the village of Jeloboc. However, very interesting samples are situated in the villages of Chetrosu, Ciripcau, Suruceni, Recea, Marculesti, Mihaileni, Butuceni, Saratenii Vechi, Caterinovca, Japca and in the cemeteries of the towns of Floresti and Falesti as well.
The XXth century was very prolific in monumental compositions, executed in painting and sculpture techniques. Many of the statuary ensembles, which have characteristics of monumental compositions, are presented in the categories "Statue", "Mosaic and mural painting" or "Fresco". The category of "Monumental composition" also includes the decorative and monumental ensemble, executed by the sculptor Dumitru Rusu-Scvortov in the middle of the 80's and located in front of the Opera House, the monument consecrated to Onisifor Ghibu, executed by the sculptor Grigore Sultan and architect Victor Plopa in 1997 and a reproduction of the renowned antique Etruscan sculpture of the she-wolf feeding Romulus and Remus, which is situated in front of the National Museum of History in Chisinau.
