Bringing The Knight in the Panther’s Skin to Life: Zichy and Photographic Figures
Photographic tableaux inspired by Mihály Zichy’s illustrations to Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem
This featured project explores a rare group of staged photographs inspired by the celebrated illustrations created by Mihály Zichy for Shota Rustaveli’s 12th-century epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin (ვეფხისტყაოსანი). Produced in late imperial Georgia, these images transformed literary and painted representations into living photographic tableaux through costume, theatrical staging, and performance.
The series reveals a unique intersection of Georgian literary culture, aristocratic self-representation, theater, and early photography. Characters such as Tariel were recreated by sitters wearing elaborate costumes modeled after Zichy’s iconic visual interpretations of Rustaveli’s heroes.
More than simple portraits, these photographs document an important cultural phenomenon: the translation of Georgia’s national literary imagination into photographic form.
Curated by: Giorgi Gersamia
Photos
Enhanced Editions Available
