Publication details
Monk saints in the Middle Byzantine Paintings of Cappadocia
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | The present contribution intends to examine the images of monk saints in Cappadocian rock paintings of the Middle Byzantine age. This study largely benefits of the direct analysis of Cappadocian monuments conducted within the Tuscia University research and conservation project in Cappadocia (directed by M. Andaloro). As a member of the project since 2007, I have undertaken an extensive study of the sequences of saints, which are an integral part of the pictorial decorations of the rock cut churches since the end of the 9th century. Monk saints are a noteworthy nucleus of these sequences: Cappadocia provides some of the most ancient pictorial examples for this category of saints, who became very popular in the decorations of other areas of the Byzantine Empire only starting from the 11th century. In Cappadocia the holy monks are generally not particularly numerous compared to other categories of saints; however in many cases their presence appears significant in relation to the possible existence of nearby monasteries. The choice, placement and combination of the monastic figures also reveal fertile and long-lasting relationships with the Eastern Christian traditions. Some preliminary conclusions will be presented here. |