Ancha Icon of the Savior, triptique 3css - MFA of Georgia, Tbilisi
Anchiskhati Triptych. 6th c. 12th c. 14th c. 17th c. 19th c. The Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts, Tbilisi, Georgia
Later, in about 1308-1334, a special triptych case was created for the venerable image, donated by the powerful aristocratic family of Jakeli, governors of the south-western province of Samtskhe. The inner parts of the lateral wings depict seven scenes from the Great Twelve Feasts executed in repoussé. The Ascension adorns the semi-circular top; the Annunciation, Nativity and Baptism are placed on the left wing; and the Transfiguration, Crucifixion and Anastasis on the right.
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The icon of ancha or anchiskhati, a replica of the holy face of edessa the image of christ not made by human hand, is one of the major relics of the georgian church. This is the earliest preserved copy of the image of christ, which according to christian tradition was miraculously imprinted on cloth during his earthly life. The mandylion is directly connected with orthodox christian teaching, proving the real incarnation of christ. Moreover, the image not made by human hand is also perceived as a legitimation of christian images. During the iconoclastic controversy, the mandylion was one of the most important arguments for the iconophiles (those who venerated images), who claimed the legitimacy of images for the christian church.
Source:
Ancha Icon of the Savior, triptique 3css - MFA of Georgia, Tbilisi
Anchiskhati Triptych. 6th c. 12th c. 14th c. 17th c. 19th c. The Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts, Tbilisi, Georgia
Later, in about 1308-1334, a special triptych case was created for the venerable image, donated by the powerful aristocratic family of Jakeli, governors of the south-western province of Samtskhe. The inner parts of the lateral wings depict seven scenes from the Great Twelve Feasts executed in repoussé. The Ascension adorns the semi-circular top; the Annunciation, Nativity and Baptism are placed on the left wing; and the Transfiguration, Crucifixion and Anastasis on the right.
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The icon of ancha or anchiskhati, a replica of the holy face of edessa the image of christ not made by human hand, is one of the major relics of the georgian church. This is the earliest preserved copy of the image of christ, which according to christian tradition was miraculously imprinted on cloth during his earthly life. The mandylion is directly connected with orthodox christian teaching, proving the real incarnation of christ. Moreover, the image not made by human hand is also perceived as a legitimation of christian images. During the iconoclastic controversy, the mandylion was one of the most important arguments for the iconophiles (those who venerated images), who claimed the legitimacy of images for the christian church.
Source: