Khatchkar

Khatchkars (K’ar meaning “stone” and xac˘’ meaning “cross”) are monumental stone slabs decorated with a cross relief. Often found as tomb markers, khatchkars, topped by a gable, could be used as monumental shrines; they also decorated church walls.

The top of this slab projects outwards to create a stepped cornice intended to protect the khatchkar from the elements. In the central panel, the cross is decorated with drill marks, while the arms end in elegant fleurons. A flourishing tendril encloses the cross in a scalloped frame. Two birds, one on each side of a round arch, complete the décor at the top. Here, the cross does not represent the instrument of Christ’s death, but instead refers to eternal life. In this context, the cross assumes the symbolic meaning of the “tree of life.”

The background of the central panel is meticulously carved with fine lacelike designs that fan out to encircle the top portion of the cross. The richness of the decoration and the refinement of the execution and design associate this khatchkar with others from the region of Siunia, in southeastern Armenia.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Henri Pharaon Collection, Beirut, until 1986; purchased by Yanni Petsopoulos, London, 1986; purchased by Walters Art Museum, 2011.