Partners: GACC, Fundraising and Administration; GORSO, Fresco restoration

About the Site: The Gelati Monastery and Academy stand as one of Georgia's most significant religious and cultural landmarks. Founded in 1106 by King David the Builder, this complex served as a vital center of religious and intellectual life throughout the medieval period, also serving as the burial place for Georgian royalty. Encompassing structures from various eras, Gelati Monastery showcases the diversity of Georgian ecclesiastical and secular architecture. The central edifice, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin (12th century), is a masterpiece of cross-domed architecture with three projecting apses. Subsequent additions include the narthex, a southern annex with a distinctive portal, and east and west chapels (all 12th century), while the northern annex with its two chapels and portals dates to the 13th century. The Academy, a substantial rectangular structure from the 12th century, has undergone recent restoration and is now open to visitors. A richly adorned porch, featuring intricate stone carvings, was added to the Academy in the 14th century. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Church of the Virgin is renowned for its captivating array of paintings spanning centuries and employing diverse mediums, including mosaics and frescoes. Dating from the 12th to 19th centuries, these murals offer a unique and comprehensive panorama of Georgian church painting history. Highlights include the magnificent apse mosaic depicting the Virgin and Child flanked by archangels, and the exceptional 12th-century frescoes in the narthex. The latter showcase depictions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and the "Miracle of St. Euphemia," unique to Georgian art. Murals in the southeastern chapel exemplify the Palaeologan style, while the refined fragments adorning the southern portal (1360-1395) represent a later stage of this style. Frescoes from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries reflect the stylistic diversity of that period. The northeastern chapel boasts murals executed with exceptional skill in the first half of the 17th century, while the northwestern chapel features less refined works. The southwestern chapel of St. Marine showcases the distinctive "folk style" that flourished in late medieval Georgia. This uniquely national style is characterized by its naïve pictorial language and captivating, expressive imagery. Each layer of painting, with its unique iconography, stylistic features, and abundant inscriptions and historical portraits (including a 16th-century portrait of King David IV), provides invaluable insights not only into medieval Georgian art but also into the broader cultural and historical context of the Eastern Christian world.

Project Goal: To preserve the 16th-century frescoes on the dome of the main church at Gelati Monastery through a comprehensive conservation and restoration project.

Project Activities

Phase 1: Diagnostic Studies Material Analysis: Detailed analysis of the plaster and paint layers to determine their composition and condition. Salt Identification: Identification and assessment of salt damage to the frescoes. Biological Analysis: Assessment of any biological threats, such as mold or insect infestation.

Phase 2: Conservation and Restoration Cleaning: Careful cleaning of the fresco surface to remove dirt and grime. Consolidation: Consolidation of the paint layer and detached plaster using appropriate materials and techniques. Salt Removal: Treatment to remove soluble salts and prevent further damage. Repairs: Repair of cracks and damaged areas using traditional materials and techniques. Biocide Treatment: Application of biocides to eliminate biological threats.

Educational and Promotional Activities: Student Training: Collaboration with the Faculty of Conservation and Art History and Theory of Tbilisi State Academy to provide on-site training opportunities for students. Public Awareness: Promotion of the project through TV and print media to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage preservation.