Sculpture decoration of Ruined and Less Studied Church Complexes of the 12th -14th centuries in Armenia

The project is dedicated to the study of the sculptural decoration of 12-14th centuries’ ruined and under-researched church complexes of Armenia. The work is envisaged in several phases: field study of the buildings, an art-historical analysis of their figurative reliefs and sculptural ornaments, and the scientific publication of a bilingual (Armenian-English) book. In the last stage of the research program it is planned also to hold a conference dedicated to the Armenian medieval sculpture and to publish its materials. The project covers monuments and church complexes of the 12-14th centuries in Armenia (and Artsakh), in particular: the monuments that were destroyed or are most endangered in terms of protection, as well as church complexes left out of scientific circulation. The selected period is known for the great flourishing of the construction of monastic complexes, especially, for the establishment of a unique iconography and style of architectural sculpture, which has determined the time frames of the study. This research will contribute to the inclusion of 12-14th centuries’ lesser-known church complexes in the scientific field of Armenian and medieval studies in general, it will review the problems of their preservation, will lead to their popularization.