Khachkar of Goshavank
Date:
1291
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Armenia
Medium:
Stone
Dimensions:
Approximately 2 meters tall, excluding the pedestal
Description:
The khachkars (literally "cross-stones") of Armenia date back to the ninth century and are commemorative stone slabs carved with crosses, decorative motifs, and sometimes inscriptions. They were sometimes cut right into rock but could also be placed into a wall or onto a platform.
The example reproduced here from the monastery Goshavank was carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos (his name is inscribed in the bottom left star). It curves forward at the top to help shelter the craftsmanship from the elements and to suggest shelter for the viewer standing before it. Poghos added combinations of geometric and foliate ornament to the large cross above a circular design, a common layout for khachkars of the period. He also carved at different fixed depths to produce the effect of layered planes.
The example reproduced here from the monastery Goshavank was carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos (his name is inscribed in the bottom left star). It curves forward at the top to help shelter the craftsmanship from the elements and to suggest shelter for the viewer standing before it. Poghos added combinations of geometric and foliate ornament to the large cross above a circular design, a common layout for khachkars of the period. He also carved at different fixed depths to produce the effect of layered planes.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
8
Repository and Online Resources:
• UNESCO has declared Aremenia's khach'k'ars works of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Image Credits:
Christina Maranci
