Tuesday 7 October 2014

The 8 day cultural trip to Iran - "Iranian Treasures" - (Day 4 morning cont.) - Isfahan, the Armenian Quarter - Vank Cathedral (cont.) - The interior decoration - The 19th of September 2014


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The moment we walked into the Cathedral my eyes fell on the panel over the door, which depicts the last judgement. I was so impressed by the gruesome images that I felt compelled to photograph most of its details.

The paintings covering the Cathedral's interior date from 1660-70 and are said to have been the gift of an Armenian merchant. From te story of the creation, the expulsion and the killing of Abel decorating the East dome to painted decorations arranged to show episodes from the Old Testament with New Testament related themes underneath or murals showing St. Gregory and the conversion of the King to Christianity, wherever one looks there are vibrant coloured paintings, some of which rather impressive.
 
It is not known whether the artists were Esfahani, Armenians or Europeans attached to the various East India companies resident in the Armenian quarter, but what seems  to be clear, according to experts, is that they had almost certainly seen engravings by the Dutch artist, Van Sichem. 




































































 
 
 
















Images more than ever seem to speak for themselves ... and what is undeniable is the fact that Vank Cathedral 's richly decorated interior is outstandingly beautiful.







 

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