Vardzia. Image: rogoyski, Flickr
Vardzia is a remarkable rock-cut medieval monastery complex in Southern Georgia. Founded by King George III and enlarged by his daughter Queen Tamar in 1185, it was built as a response to the threat of Mongol invasion. Constructed along a rock face of the Erusheli mountain for a total of 900 metres and on seven levels, it reached 40 metres in height and consisted of several hundred rooms with aqueducts and subterranean tunnels.
Vardzia monastic complex. Image: Wikimedia commons
Unfortunately, in 1283 and just under a century after its construction, a massive earthquake caused a landslip which resulted in the destruction of a major chunk of the complex. Its once well hidden interiors were at once exposed to the outside world. Despite this devastation a community of monks existed there until the mid 16th century, when this part of the Caucasus was invaded by the Persians. Today, a small group of monks act as caretakers of Vardzia.
Queen Tamar an icon of Georgian history
Depiction of Queen Tamar dating from 1184-86 and forming part of the wall paintings adorning the Church of the Dormition. Image: Wikimedia commons
Of the many important wall paintings within Vardzia it is the image of Queen Tamar which remains as an icon of Georgian history. Dating from the building of the monastery in the late 12th century, it can be found adorning the Church of the Dormition. Comprising images of the Virgin, donors and nationally revered saints, with scenes from the Passion of Christ, the wall paintings survive almost complete.
But their condition is alarming. Much of the painting is difficult to decipher due to smoke blackening and unsympathetic repairs. Past cleaning has not recognised their fragility. They are delicate paintings of extraordinary complexity, which may even employ oil as a binding medium.
A new understanding
The new understanding of their complexity, only realised in 2011 through preliminary scientific examination, will have huge implications for Vardzia but also for other Georgian wall paintings, which include some of the finest in the world. The conservation project at Vardzia, with detailed scientific studies and long-term training of Georgian students and conservators, will transform the understanding and care of Georgian wall paintings.
Wall paintings adorning the Church of the Dormition. Image: Claire a Taiwan, Flickr
The National Agency for Cultural heritage preservation of Georgia, the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and the Courtauld Institute of Art – building on 15 years of Courtauld-Georgian collaboration in conservation – are joining forces for this project. It will be the first such joint conservation project to be undertaken in Georgia itself, and set within a wider framework of conservation and advice, will be a fundamental step in ensuring the future preservation of Georgia’s magnificent heritage of wall paintings.
Become a Vardzia Guardian Angel
For this project to begin in 2012, the Courtauld is raising half the necessary funding. If you would like to help by becoming a Vardzia Guardian Angel, please contact Samuel Coote of the Courtauld Development Office samuel.coote@courtauld.ac.uk. Donations by individual UK taxpayers are eligible for Gift Aid. For more information as to how donations and sponsorship can be featured, please contact Professor David Park, Director of the Conservation of Wall painting Department at the Courtauld david.park@courtauld.ac.uk
More information:
View more images of the wall paintings: http://britishgeorgiansociety.com/gallery