The earliest enamel of the 9th century adorns the Martvili icon of the Virgin.
The Medallion Representing St. Peter
(The Martvili Virgin)
9th century, Byzantine
The 10th to the 12th centuries the time of the highest development of Byzantine enamelwork, is represented more fully in the collection. Signs characteristic of the 10th century Byzantine enamels include a comparatively uninhibited style, round eyes, wide garment folds, and restrained colors with purple, brown, emerald, and blue enamels prevailing.
The Cross with the Images of Emperor Constantine and
Empress Helen
(The Khakhuli Triptych )
10th century, Byzantine
The Shemokmedi Icon.
10th century, Byzantine
The collection is rich in the works of the 11th century Byzantine art, the majority of which adorn the Khakhuli Triptych. During this period, the enamels contain an increased number of the thin partitions, often arranged systematically. The best Byzantine enamels of the Museum illustrate supreme workmanship, first and foremost among them the three plaques of Deesis adorning the Khakhuli Triptych. These plaques demonstrate an ability to portray more detailed and realistic faces, create well-proportioned and relatively sculptured figures, and execute elaborate herring-bone patterns.
Three Plaques – the Deesis composition
(The Khakhuli Triptych )
11th century, Byzantine
The Museum collection has a small number of 12th century Byzantine enamels, which fully demonstrate stylistic characteristics of the period. From this part are interesting the medallions of the Tsilkani icon. The images of the medallions demonstrate perfection and refined stylistic.
