An article by Nino Chikhladze, Senior Research Fellow at the Tamaz Beradze Institute of Kartvelology of the University of Georgia, has been published in the international, high-ranking, peer-reviewed journal Iconographica - Studies in the History of Images (publisher: SISMEL – Edizioni del Galluzzo, Florence, Italy).
The journal Iconographica is indexed in authoritative international academic databases, including:
The article, titled “Monumental Images of Saint Eugenios of Trebizond as an Indirect Message of the Political Interests of the Georgian State in the 12th–13th Centuries,” is dedicated to an important aspect of Georgian monumental painting — the interpretation of universal Christian themes in relation to national identity.
The study analyzes the iconographic and stylistic characteristics of the 12th–13th centuries that reflect state interests and specific historical realities.
Particular attention is given to the ktetor (donor) composition of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin (1184–1185/6) in Vardzia, depicting King George III of Georgia and King Tamar of Georgia. This composition includes the earliest surviving representation of the local saint of the Trebizond region, Saint Eugenios of Trebizond.
According to the author, this image conveys a specific political message. It is noteworthy that approximately 20 years after the creation of the Vardzia murals, Saint Eugenios became established as the principal cult of the Empire of Trebizond.
Article link: https://www.mirabileweb.it/edgalluzzo/periodici/m/107
