The Iconographic School of Berat
The Iconographic School of Berat

Summary/Abstract: The Iconographic School of Berat developed during the 16th-17th centuries. It is based on the artistic spirit of the great master of Albanian iconography, Onufri from Neokastra (Elbasan). This school played an important role in Albanian iconographic art during the 16th and 17th centuries, with Onufri's followers, among whom stood out Onufri's son, Nikolla, along with his collaborator Joani, Onufër the Cypriot, and many other iconographers who preferred to remain anonymous. Onufri’s artistic activity in Albania is immortalised in the frescoes and icons of churches: “Saint Kolli” in Shelcan, “Saint e Premtes” in Valësh, in Shpat of Elbasan, “Saint Todri”, “Annunciation,” and “Saint Mitri” in the fortress of Berat. Onufri is thought to have been from Elbasan. There is little information about his family background. Only his son, Nikolla, is known, who learnt the art of iconography from his father. Onufri was a clergyman, holding the title “Protopapas,” meaning “First Priest”. The data provided by the church inscriptions reveal that Onufri carried out his activity in the 16th century. Onufri was a married priest and had children, of whom only one became well-known. This was Nikolla, who continued the family tradition. This is confirmed by an inscription written by Nikolla himself on the western door inside the church of “Saint Mary Vlachern” in Berat. The inscription says that the painter is Nikolla, the son of Onufri. Another iconographer who dignifiedly represents the “Iconographic School of Berat” is Onufër the Cypriot, who was of Greek origin but carried out his activity in the churches of Berat. Seven icons of his works have survived, which contain inscriptions providing his name, surname, and the year of painting. There is no information regarding his date of birth, but scholar Vitaliotis believes that in 1570, Onufër the Cypriot was wounded during the siege of Nicosia, where he lost one of his hands. In these circumstances, in 1582, the Cypriot left his birthplace and settled in Venice. It is believed that in 1591, he came to Berat.

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