khachkar

The cosmopolitan Artsrunis—equally versed in Armenian, Georgian, Mongol, and Catholic cultures—adopted the newest iconographic trend, that of Western Catholic art, which at the time also represented the elite artistic language of both the Cilician Armenian royal court and the Mongol khan’s court

Although the stone appears symmetrical, digital analysis has shown that among the tiny ornamental details there are no two identical motifs. Poghos designed every square centimeter individually

At the very foot of the central cross appear two discs filled with intricate geometric ornamentation. These symbolize the universe, continuity, and the earth from which the tree of salvation springs forth

On most Armenian cross-stones, this sphere replaces Adam’s skull, washing away every trace of death through the promise of rebirth and resurrection granted by God

As the road leading toward the monastery of Odzun climbs from the canyon of the Debed River onto the plateau, a robust, slightly stooping khachkar stands by the roadside, with its back to the canyon and facing the road