Located in the village of Matskhvarishi in the Latali community, this large single nave church with a two-sided apse dates back to the 10th century.
The interior of the church, with its completely preserved wall paintings, is one of the most significant works from the period of the flourishing of the Svaneti painting school, created in 1140 by the artist Mikheil Maghlakeli, according to the preserved inscription.
The murals of Matskhvarishi are remarkable in many ways, particularly:
It is one of the earliest instances in Svaneti wall painting where the iconographic program of the murals almost entirely consists of the feast cycle, providing a near-complete illustration of the Orthodox faith. In this sense, the decoration ensemble is unique not only in medieval Georgian but also in the broader context of Eastern Christian wall painting. However, the murals' overall spirit reflects the same tendency to glorify the truth of the Dyophysite doctrine, which is present in the spiritual life and art of Georgia during this period.
The overall solution of the murals' system and their relation to the architectural features of the interior clearly demonstrates the bold search for integrating the dynamic unity of the painting ensemble. This trend later emerges in the wall painting of Georgia around the second half of the 12th century. These distinctive features of the murals can be traced to the Mikheil Maghlakeli circle of painters (including the decoration of Nezguni II, Yeli, Chvabiani's Taringseli, and the second phase of the Lower Laghami Church).
In terms of the figures' character and the way their faces and clothing are treated, Mikheil Maghlakeli remains true to the old traditions. This transitional approach, while maintaining traditional methods, defines Mikheil's creative individuality and his place in the history of the Svaneti painting school.
Of particular note are the secular portraits preserved in the Matskhvarishi: the scene of Demetre I's coronation as king, which is a rare example in Georgian wall painting. Specifically, it depicts the ceremony of sword striking for the king, with the presumed patron of the fresco, the Svaneti ruler Vardanisdze, depicted in the scene (with the accompanying inscription: “I, the prince of the land of Davit, do this”). It is likely that the inclusion of this scene in the murals program was driven by the desire to immortalize the great honor and privilege held by the Vardanisdze family for centuries.
Another portrait depicts Kvirike the Steward, who, according to his accompanying inscription, “did great effort for the building and decoration of this church.” The second inscription is particularly telling, as it can be interpreted as Kvirike’s “legacy” left for future generations: “Whoever serves as the priest or steward of this church, may they be protected from smoke and may no color fade.”
Useful information
| Location | In Latali, near the central road |
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| Key holder | The key is kept at the Yenashi Monastery with the local priest – Father Egnate |
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