STYLISTIC FEATURES OF THE ZOGRAFI BROTHER’S PAINTINGS IN THE CHURCHES OF VITHKUQ

The village of Vithkuq is distributed in an uneven, highland territory in south-east Albania, near the city of Korça. The villagers, who were part of the greek-orthodox religion, during a well economically developed time in the 17th and 18th century, they enriched Vithkuqi with circa 14 churches and a monastery. Today, in this monastery, are found only 2 churches in damaged conditions. The small mortal church of Saint Cosmas and Damian and the main church, which holds the same name as the monastery, Saint Peter and Paul. Both of these churches are decorated with miraculous murals from the famous Albanian painters, the brothers Kostandin and Athanas Zografi. Konstandin and Athanas Zografi are the painters with the widest activity during the 18th century and are known for their works in and outside the country. Their mural paintings can be really observed from 1744 until 1783, so for 24 years. The amount of work, and the fact that they were required to paint in the Mount Athos, were only the most talented painters of Epirius could work, shows the quality and their professional evaluation. The style of their work can be studied in the churches of Vithkuq. The features and elements of this style will be the theme of this work. Keywords: Mural painting, Post-Byzantine, Iconography, Vithkuq, Orthodox Art