Frescoes of Georgia

photos by Elena Makarova and Elena Lisitsyna

1. A Hand with a Book

fresco: based on the iconography, it is a clergyman, probably a teacher of a theologian because of the book in his hand

monument: Gelati Monastery, 12th century

fresco location: narthex of the church of the Nativity of the Virgin, 12th century

painting time: probably 12th century, or later

2. Beard with Prayerfully Folded Hands

fresco: a hermit, likely St. Onuphrius the Great 

monument: Tsalenjikha Cathedral, 12th–14th centuries 

fresco location: western wall

painting time and author: work of the renowned Byzantine master Manuel Eugenikos, 14th century

3. Trumpeting Angel

fresco: Last Judgment cycle

monument: Nikortsminda Cathedral, 11th century

fresco location: western wall

painting time: 16th century

4. Beast from the Sea

fresco: Apocalypse cycle 

monument: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, 11th century

fresco location: southern wall

painting time: 17th–18th centuries 

5. Dragon

fresco: St. George and the Dragon

monument: Tsalenjikha Cathedral, 12th–14th centuries 

fresco location: northern side

painting time: 14th century

6. Sinners in the Hell

fresco: Last Judgment cycle

monument: Nikortsminda Cathedral, 11th century

fresco location: wall adjacent to the west wall on the left

painting time: 16th century