THE APPEARANCE (PORTRAIT)OF A SAINT IN GEORGIAN HAGIOGRAPHY

Abstract

This article examines the peculiarities of depicting the portrait of saints in Georgian hagiographical works. It analyzes how medieval authors portray the appearance of saints, what factors influence their approaches, and the differences that emerge between two cultural contexts: Byzantine and Georgian.

The research shows that Georgian hagiography, in accordance with the common Christian tradition, prioritizes the saint's spiritual world and rarely focuses on physical description. When appearance is mentioned, it serves either to express spiritual grandeur or to highlight individuality. Particular attention is given to The Martyrdom of Shushanik, The Life of Grigol Khandzteli, and The Martyrdom of Davit and Constantine.

Byzantine hagiography demonstrates an ambivalent attitude toward outward beauty. In the post-Iconoclasm period, following the restoration of icon veneration, the visual aspect of saints gains greater significance, reflected in detailed descriptions of appearance in hagiographical texts. The article emphasizes that the absence of Iconoclasm in Georgia contributed to a more stable approach to depicting saints in Georgian hagiography.

Key words: Portrait; Georgian Hagiography; Byzantine Hagiography; Icon; Appearance.