Images of Orthodoxy or Political Compromise? Visual Representations in the Late Antique South Caucasus

FOLETTI, Ivan. Images of Orthodoxy or Political Compromise? Visual Representations in the Late Antique South Caucasus. In Art and Power in Medieval Societies: Censorship, Propaganda and Public Service in the Eastern Mediterranean from Late Antiquity to the Ottoman Era. 2023.

Basic information

• Original name: Images of Orthodoxy or Political Compromise? Visual Representations in the Late Antique South Caucasus
• Authors: FOLETTI, Ivan.
• Edition: Art and Power in Medieval Societies: Censorship, Propaganda and Public Service in the Eastern Mediterranean from Late Antiquity to the Ottoman Era, 2023.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Requested lectures
• Field of Study: 60401 Arts, Art history
• Country of publisher: Hungary
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• Organization unit: Faculty of Arts
• Keywords in English: Grihorij Gagarin; Nikodim Kondakov; Visual Culture; Images of Orthodoxy; Talin; Cromi; Mren

Abstract

Marginalized by two centuries of colonial and Orientalist historiography, the South Caucasus region was during the late antique centuries one of the most interested poles at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Analyzing the data that emerged from the study of monumental decorations – mosaics and wall paintings – preserved in the historic kingdoms of Armenia and Iberia during the 7th century, however, further questions emerge. It is, firstly, about the very close visual relationship that existed with the space of not only the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, the apsidal images of Aruch, Cromi, Mren or Talin can be understood as a series of visual projects intended to (re-) formulate the identity of the two neighboring countries in tension between the world of Constantinople and the Arab caliphate. The image can assume, in this context, an inclusive or exclusive function depending on the time of its conception, but also on its political and theological uses (and reuses). On the background of this situation then emerges the question of tolerance (and intolerance) toward cultures that proudly regard themselves as the oldest Christian cultures.

Links

• GF21-01706L, research and development project: Name: Kulturní dialogy v Jihokavkazském regionu ve středověku: historiografická a historicko-umělecká perspektiva (Acronym: CIMS)

Investor: Czech Science Foundation, Partner Agency