Ia Ghadua
Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature
Curator of Unicum Books Collection
Tbilisi, Georgia
Ia Ghadua
Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature
Curator of Unicum Books Collection
Tbilisi, Georgia
Dating Manuscripts Through Galaktion Facsimiles and Graphematic Analysis
Abstract
Graphematic studies, a branch of digital humanities, enable the precise scientific rather than hypothetical dating of texts. Over time, an author's handwriting acquires specific characteristics, necessitating a comprehensive study of these evolving features over the years. In such research, every detail is of utmost importance. Facsimiles are particularly valuable, as it is well-documented that writers and public figures invest significant effort in developing their unique facsimiles. Galaktion's facsimiles, in particular, provide an excellent source, allowing researchers to trace both the development and stylization of each grapheme.
Galaktion Tabidze's archive, the majority of which is housed in the Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature, presents a significant opportunity for graphematic research due to its extensive collection of both dated and undated texts spanning 52 years. The archive includes numerous dated manuscripts from 1905 to 1959, alongside a substantial number of undated documents.
As for Galaktion Tabidze's facsimiles, the poet exhibits exceptional diversity in his handwriting, with distinct stylistic variations. There are periods during which every poem on each page is signed, and instances where multiple signatures appear on a single page. This variability offers valuable insights into how the poet engaged with his written work, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail.
To identify the specific characteristics of Galaktion Tabidze's facsimiles, we systematically analyzed all his manuscripts spanning different years and compiled a comprehensive database. This approach enabled us to track how the poet evolved his handwriting, noting additions, deletions, and stylistic changes such as the frequent use of a treble clef-like ending. Our database analysis revealed several distinctive features, including the utilization of horizontal lines and letter parts for symmetry and stylization. Notably, between 1907 and 1915, Galaktion emphasized the sharpness of letters like ‘g’ and ‘t’, along with upper and lower horizontal lines, particularly in the stylized endings of his facsimiles. From 1916 onwards, there was a noticeable shift in approach, characterized by a reduction in the use of parallel lines, focusing instead on sharpening specific letters such as ‘g’, ‘l’, ‘t’, ‘n’, and occasionally ‘o’. We encounter some three such cases in 1916-1919. This stylistic evolution persisted from 1922 onwards, with stylized letters continuing to appear in his facsimiles until the end of his career in 1958.
The established chronological framework of Galaktion Tabidze's facsimiles, combined with other graphematic features identified during our research, facilitated the dating of previously undated manuscripts.
Keywords: Graphematic studies, Galaktion, autograph, facsimile
How Raphiel Eristavi’s Anniversary Transformed into a Public Celebration
The Georgian nation recognized and celebrated Raphiel Eristavi's achievements during his lifetime, notably on October 22, 1895, when the 50th anniversary of the esteemed poet and public figure was solemnly commemorated. This day was aptly termed a secular holiday.
The anniversary's initiation was spearheaded by Akaki Tsereteli, who, in an article published in the newspaper Kvali on May 22, 1895, extolled Raphiel Eristavi's accomplishments and reminded the Georgian nation of the importance of celebrating his 50 years of contributions. Tsereteli cautioned that neglecting to honor this milestone would be a significant act of ingratitude. He aptly titled the article “Attention”. Akaki’s appeal was promptly heeded, first by the newspaper Kvali, followed by Iveria, thus marking the beginning of the preparations for the celebration.
The editors of Kvali responded promptly to Akaki Tsereteli's call, publishing a general announcement to convene and set a date for Raphiel Eristavi's anniversary. This initiative was quickly supported by the newspaper Iveria, reflecting the significant importance of Raphiel Eristavi's anniversary to the Georgian nation. Iveria did not overlook this opportunity, with the first mention of the anniversary appearing on May 27, in a letter penned by Lali, also known as Giorgi Laskhishvili. It is noteworthy that most articles regarding Raphiel Eristavi's anniversary were authored by Giorgi Laskhishvili. In this initial letter, "Iveria" echoed Akaki's appeal for the anniversary celebration and expressed the hope that the Georgian nation would not exhibit its usual indifference in this important matter.
While it is true that in 1889 Ekvtime Kheladze compiled and published the jubilee materials into a single book, this compilation mainly documents the events of the solemn celebration held on October 22. However, the details and chronological sequence of the anniversary preparations are equally noteworthy, as numerous challenges arose during this process, including the passivity of the organizing committees, a topic that was actively covered by the newspaper Kvali.
We diligently searched for and collected every letter and recollection published in the press, thereby reconstructing the authentic historical context. This allowed us to document the efforts, assistance, work, and organization that contributed to the celebration of Raphiel Eristavi's anniversary, illustrating how every corner and region prepared for this significant day.
The jubilee was an impressive celebration, meticulously detailed and filled with the people's admiration and affection. This event was the invaluable tribute that the Georgian nation dedicated to the author of "Native Land Khevsuri." In his address during the jubilee, he poignantly remarked, “"One leaves and another comes into this world, but what could be better than such a unity that brings me me joy!..."
Keywords: Raphiel Eristavi, jubilee, celebration