Реrионални особености на надгробната скулптура във врачанския район през епохата на националното Възраждане
Local Peculiarities of the Gravestone Sculpture from the Region of Vratsa during the National Revival Period

Summary/Abstract: In classifying the gravestones from the region of Vratsa the author takes into consideration: 1) the creative approach in the execution of the sculpture; and 2) the symbolic content which is applied to it. Tombstones with graphic images are distinguished in the first place, on which floral motifs, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic images, geometric forms, objects from everyday life and work, solar signs, etc., are to be found depicted. The ornamental iconographic scheme of the crucifix including the “three trees of the Cross” is most characteristic. In the second place there are gravestones with plastically modelled ornamentation. In this case the contours of the decorative elements are carved on the main front surface and the images project as a second layer upon the face of the tombstone. Here the zoomorphic images practically disappear and an increased interest towards geometric and floral motifs is evident. The “three trees of the Cross” are also present. The mixed application of graphic technique and plastic modelling of the decorative elements is most widespread. In these cases the Cross is the main ornamental motif. The qualities of the material – limestone from the region of Vratsa – and the natural surroundings play a considerable part in the choice of technical devices for sculpturing the tombstones in the region. The great variety in the symbolic contents of the gravestones is linked to the history of the population. Early Thracian, Slavic and proto-Bulgarian religious ideas, medieval traditions, etc., are traced out.

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