Ketevan Gongadze
PhD Student
Ilia State University
Tbilisi, Georgia
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1137-0764
Ketevan Gongadze
PhD Student
Ilia State University
Tbilisi, Georgia
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1137-0764
Palaeologan Artistic-Iconographic Motifs of the
Matskshkvarishi Archangels Church in Latali
Abstract
The decoration of the churches of Upper Svaneti with paintings starts from the 9th to 10th centuries and continues until the 17th century. These murals are distinguished by a completely independent and special artistic style, a peculiar understanding and presentation of theological themes and an iconographic program. In Upper Svaneti, like other regions of Georgia, the artistic and ideological trends of the Palaeologan period are interestingly presented. It is worth noting that the painting scheme and iconographic themes of this epoch were transferred to the following periods as well, which is reflected in the Matskvarishi Archangels Church in Latali.
The murals of the Matskhvarishi Archangels Church must have been executed in the 16th century, the iconographic schemes of which are mainly based on the art of the Palaeologan era spread in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Matskhvarishi Archangels Church is related to the local art school, with a special laconic opening of a separate story and a simple construction. The iconographic program of the mentioned church is designed in such a way that it brings forward the deep theological standpoint in the décor. In General, the creativity of talented artists is clearly visible here, which was manifested in the creation of a well-formed and well-thought-out iconographic scheme and program. It is conceivable that the painting program was drawn up by one master, perhaps a clergyman, who is also the leader of the artistic process. According to our assumption, two other masters worked with him and completed certain parts of the painting.
The painting of the Matskhvarishi Archangels Church is closer to the "regional/provincial" style of medieval art, in which a less sophisticated writing style is observed. This direction was created based on local art schools, where artists studied nearby or in another cultural center. They tried to repeat the iconographic or stylistic principles that were developed in highly professional art schools, but due to their relatively poor skill, they could not reach the corresponding artistic level.
The paintings of Upper Svaneti, as we mentioned, are distinguished by a variety of artistic styles, a different vision, where ancient and contemporary artistic approaches are revealed at the same time. Here, the artistic vision and trends are perceived in their own way, adapted to their traditional artistic thinking, and appropriated.
Keywords: Mural Paintings, Palaeologan Art, Upper Svaneti, Latali, Matskhvarishi Archangels church