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Georgian Iconography Guide

Who is that on the wall? A field guide to the saints, kings, and sacred figures you'll meet in every Georgian church.

Field Guide: Reading Georgian Icons

You don’t need to be an art historian to read a Georgian church. The same figures appear again and again, in the same spots, wearing the same colors. Use this guide to identify **who you’re looking at** and **why they matter**.

Archangels Michael & Gabriel
Figure
How to spot it
  • Winged figures in military armor (Michael) or court robes (Gabriel)
  • Michael often holds a sword/scales; Gabriel often holds a staff/orb
  • Often guarding doors
Where you’ll see it
  • flanking the main entrance (inside or out)
  • The 'Deacon's Doors' (side doors) of the Iconostasis
Why it matters

They are the guardians of the sacred space. You pass them as you enter or exit.

Christ Pantocrator (The Ruler of All)
Figure
How to spot it
  • Stern, bearded adult Christ holding a Gospel book
  • Right hand raised in blessing (fingers spelling IC XC)
  • Usually depicted from the chest up
Where you’ll see it
  • The very top of the dome (looking down on you)
  • The Iconostasis (to the right of the Royal Doors)
Why it matters

This is the theological center of the church. It represents Christ as the judge and ruler of the universe.

David the Builder (Davit Aghmashenebeli)
Figure
How to spot it
  • A king with a long beard, wearing Byzantine imperial robes
  • Holding a church model in one hand (offering it to Christ/Mary)
  • Sometimes has a distinct 'pendant' on his turban/crown
Where you’ll see it
  • Gelati Monastery (most famous fresco)
  • Modern statues and icons throughout the country
Why it matters

He united Georgia and started the Golden Age. He is the ultimate symbol of the Christian King and state-builder.

King Tamar (The Great)
Figure
How to spot it
  • A royal woman in bejeweled Byzantine robes and crown
  • Often holding a model of a church
  • Usually shown with her father (Giorgi III) or son (Lasha Giorgi)
Where you’ll see it
  • Vardzia (famous fresco)
  • Betania Monastery
  • Kintsvisi Monastery
Why it matters

The apex of the Georgian Golden Age. She is a saint and a king (called 'Mepe' - King, not Queen). Her image represents the height of Georgian culture.

Common confusions

If she's holding a church model, she is a 'Ktistor' (founder). If she has a halo, she is a saint.

Paternity (Mamav Chveno / Ancient of Days)
Figure
How to spot it
  • An old man with white hair/beard (God the Father) and Christ as a boy (Emmanuel) or various symbolic arrangements
  • Technically canonical controversial, but found in later frescoes
Where you’ll see it
  • Upper domes of later churches
  • 19th-century repainted frescoes
Why it matters

Represents the Trinity. You see this more in 17th-19th century art influenced by Russia or the West.

St. George (Tetri Giorgi)
Figure
How to spot it
  • A soldier on horseback, usually slaying a dragon (or sometimes a man/emperor)
  • Often wears a red cape/cloak
  • In older Georgian icons, he might not be slaying a dragon, but just standing with a spear or sword
Where you’ll see it
  • Over church entrances (stone reliefs)
  • On the tops of church gables
  • Central icons in almost every church
Why it matters

The patron saint of Georgia (along with the Virgin Mary). He appears everywhere. In mountain regions, he is often syncretized with older moon deities ('Tetri Giorgi' or White George).

St. Nino (The Enlightener)
Figure
How to spot it
  • A woman holding a grapevine cross (arms drooping down)
  • Often wearing a simple headscarf/veil
  • Sometimes holding a scroll or the Gospel
Where you’ll see it
  • Almost every church in Georgia (frescoes, icons)
  • Bodbe Monastery (her tomb)
  • Souvenir shops (very common)
Why it matters

She is the single most important female saint in Georgian history—the woman who converted the nation in the 4th century. Her 'grapevine cross' is unique to the Georgian church.

Common confusions

Don't confuse with the Virgin Mary (Theotokos). Look for the drooping cross—that's Nino's signature.

The Anastasis (Resurrection)
Figure
How to spot it
  • Christ standing on broken gates (Gates of Hell)
  • He is pulling a man (Adam) and woman (Eve) out of tombs by their wrists
  • Keys/locks scattered in the abyss below
Where you’ll see it
  • Festeral rows on the Iconostasis
  • Frescoes on the northern or western walls
Why it matters

This is the Orthodox icon of Easter. It’s not just Christ rising; it’s him harrowing Hell and saving humanity.

Common confusions

Western art shows Christ leaving the tomb. Orthodox art shows him descending into Hades.

The Deesis (The Supplication)
Figure
How to spot it
  • A three-figure group: Christ in the center, Virgin Mary on left, St. John the Baptist on right
  • Mary and John are bowing/gesturing towards Christ in prayer
Where you’ll see it
  • The center of the Iconostasis row
  • Frescoes above arches
Why it matters

It sums up the church's role: saints praying to Christ on behalf of humanity. It’s a standard layout for the center of an iconostasis.

The Theotokos (Virgin Mary)
Figure
How to spot it
  • Holding the Christ child (often pointing to Him with her right hand - 'Hodegetria' style)
  • Wearing a dark red/purple outer robe (maphorion) with three stars (head and shoulders)
Where you’ll see it
  • The Apse fresco (huge)
  • The Iconostasis (to the left of the Royal Doors)
  • Tsiokhi/Sioni cathedrals
Why it matters

Georgia is considered an 'appanage' (allotted portion) of the Virgin Mary. She is the supreme protector. You will see her in the apse (the curved wall behind the altar) of most churches.

Common confusions

She is rarely shown alone without Christ, except in specific scenes like the Annunciation.