Abstract:
The paper is connected with the problem of decoration of the portals in
Early Medieval Georgian Churches. It deals also with varieties of this
composition.
Portal and tympanum decoration always had its special pattern either for
content, or for composition. One is supposed to see prominent effigy or read
significant information while entering a church (ex. inscription of a ktetor). That
is why those compositions are of a great importance.
Classification of the Georgian data comes to several principle types of
composition. The most popular of tympanum relieves is heraldic composition
like as follows: with Christ or cross in the center, and two flying angels on the
sides (Ascension of Christ and Ascension of Cross, the latter is the same but
Christ is substituted by a symbol). Assumption of Virgin is the next beloved
scene, where the main figure of Christ is substituted by the Virgin, but the
scheme is the same again.
The whole evolution of the composition is researched here, making also
some valuable comparisons with the tympanum decoration in the Western
Europe (Romanesque churches). Compositon of Ascension on other artefacts
(ex. ivory diptychs) is also under strict interest, as well as iconographical
prototypes of Late Antiquity (ex. consular diptychs).