Geghhovit tapanakar 26

Front side. A saddled riderless horse tramples a dragon-serpent beneath its hooves. In the upper corner above the horse are a quiver with arrows and a bow. The bridle is held by a figure with expressive facial features, his other hand placed close to his chest. The scene continues with a long-necked jar decorated with a floral petal, followed by a round table laden with food, grilled meat on a skewer, and four-petaled flowers. The sculptor Nerses placed the figure of the deceased at the end of the composition: arms crossed on the chest, wearing a fine crown, with expressive facial features and a beard, seated cross-legged. The sculptor’s signature is carved on the upper band of the southern side.
Since this tombstone bears the name of its master, based on the artistic and stylistic features we may also attribute the Geghhovit 12-1, 15-3, and 19-2 tombstones to Master Nerses or his pupils.

Back side. Within four columned arches are beautiful stylized cross motifs, their lower projections set into semicircular recesses. The spaces between the arches are decorated with vegetal ornament. Only the lower band of the carved surface is framed with a woven ornament band, and on the pedestal an additional border of acanthus ornament.

Lateral sides. On the western side is the inscription. On the eastern side, beneath a single columned arch, is a cross enriched with vegetal details.

Upper side. Empty.