Geghhovit tapanakar 29

Geghhovit tapanakar 29 - Original 1
Geghhovit tapanakar 29 - Painted 1
Geghhovit tapanakar 29 - Painted 2

Description

  • 16th century (1508) cradle-shaped tombstone with a three-step pedestal. Belongs to Grigor, whose father Mirze erected this cross for the salvation of his son (Armenian Lapidary, Pr. 4, № 915, 905 inscriptions). In the 4th volume of Armenian Lapidary compiled by Sedrak Barkhudaryan, the inscriptions of this tombstone, the date and the main text, are presented under separate entries.Front side. The scene begins with the image of a mythical creature, apparently a sphinx with the body of a lion and the face of a human. The letters of the date are irregularly carved around the creature’s head. Following this are carved a jar, a plate, a table, a plate with the symbol of eternity, a long-necked jar, another plate, a book, and an inkwell with a pen. The scene concludes with the figure of the deceased, who has his arms crossed on his chest, two braids falling to the shoulders, and feet extended in opposite directions.

    Back side. Under four columned arches are cross motifs filled with vegetal and ornamental details. In the upper zone is a one-line inscription.

    Lateral sides. On one side only is a stylized cross, its extensions from the center ending in pairs of trefoil lobes. Below are two elongated crosses.

    Upper side. Without ornamentation.