Arsukisdze

Arsukisdze (d. 1029) was a Georgian architect and the creator of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. His name is inscribed in two places: on the eastern façade of the Cathedral, below the central arch, inside medallions, and on the northern façade's main window, on two stones. The third stone is inserted between the two with a depiction of a hand and Gonio relief. The inscription reads: „The Hand of Arsukisdze, servant of God, may forgiveness be his.”

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1010 under Melchizedek, the Catholicos of Kartli, and was completed in 1029. It is noteworthy that he used parts and fragments from the older (5th–6th centuries) church, but he practically created a new, unprecedented architectural composition. The overall proportions of Svetitskhoveli, the harmonic blending of its external masses, the grandiose internal space, a sophisticated system of various ornamentations and artistic techniques demonstrate the pinnacle of Georgian architecture of that time. Furthermore, the solution to these tasks demonstrates the architect's distinguished creative talent, profound hands-on experience, and mastery. Arsukisdze is probably the creator of the Svetitskhoveli western gate as well (there is no doubt that the gate and the cathedral were built at the same time). The name of Arsukisdze was immortalized in K. Gamsakhurdia’s novel “The Right Hand of the Grand Master”.

Literature: ბ ე რ ი ძ ე  ვ., ძველი ქართველი ოსტატები, თბ., 1967.

V. Beridze