This gorgeous illuminated Armenian Bible consists of six hundred and twenty pages. The pages of text are generally arranged in two vertical columns ranging from twenty to twenty two lines...
This gorgeous illuminated Armenian Bible consists of six hundred and twenty pages. The pages of text are generally arranged in two vertical columns ranging from twenty to twenty two lines written in black characters, although some words and capitals are distinguished with red ink. There are twenty full page miniature illuminated scenes detailing the life of Christ. Some of these scenes include the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, the Baptism of Christ, the Transfiguration, the Resurrection of Lazarus, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Washing of the Feet, the Crucifixion, the Entombment, the Descent into Hell, the Ascension, and the Last Judgment. In addition, there are full page portraits of the four gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These illuminated pages feature an extended palette of colours, including blues, greens, and yellows. Other decorations are featured throughout the the text, including floral and bird motifs. The entire book is encased in a leather binding and the front cover is decorated with an incised cross partially covered by a silver repoussée cross adorned with five rosettes. The colophon, an inscription in the back of a manuscript that details facts related to its production, mentions two scribes by name: Lucas (most likely the illustrator) and his sister Elisabeth under the sponsorship of Mirza Djan. It also states that the work was produced for the borough of Garbi located in the plains of the Ararat Mountains in the year 1583 A.D. Ayrarat, Karbi, Holy Theotokos, 1583. The Four Gospel Paper,306 leaves made up of 24 gathering each comprising of 12 leaves. Text in double columns of 20/22 lines each. Script in regular bolorgir ( round hand). The scribes of the manuscript are Ghoukas, Mik’ayel,Ohannes and the artist is Eghisabet(Elizabeth).The manuscript was copied in the church of the Hoy Virgin Mary in the village of Karbi in the province of Ayrarat. The manuscript has been restored several times, it has had several owners ( each have left their memorials) and the present binding dates from 1734 done by a priest Astuadsatur. The manuscript has very interesting colophons which have not been recorded. Content Gospel of St Matthew, fols.19-10 Gospel of St Mark, fls.103- 15 Gospel of St Luke, fls. 156-24 Gospel of St. John .fls.245- 30 Colophons and later inscriptions,fls 303-30 Portraits of the Evangelist and title pages of their Gospel St. Matthew,18b-19a. St. Mark,102b-103a. St Luke, 155b-156 St John, 244b-245 Blank pages: 100b,101b-102a;244a. Eusebian Canon Table The Letter of Eusebius to Karpianos, 10a and 15b. During rebinding these pages have been misplaced. Normally they should face each other. Canon Tables: 10b,13a a- b;14a-b;15a-b and 17a. Few missing and the order is disturbed. Cycle of miniatures depicting major events in the Life of Chris Ascension 2a. Last Judgment,2 Nativity, The Birth of Christ,3 Presentation to the Temple, 3 Baptism,4 Transfiguration, 4 The raising of Lazarus, 5 Entry into Jerusalem, 5 Washing of the Feet, 6 This is the way to eternal life,6 The Arresting of Jesus ,7 Crucifixion, 7 Burial, 8 Descent into Hell, 8 The Women at the tomb,9 Ascension, 9b (repeated) The Last Judgment ofChrist,11 The portraits of the 24 prophets 11 The descent of the Holy Spirit, 12 Judgment of the Holy Cross, 12 Prophet Ezekial at the river called Kubar, 15a. Note: During rebinding the placement of the miniatures and the canon tables have been misplaced. Bibliograph Vrej (Neres) Nersessian, Armenian manuscripts in the British Library acquired since 1913 and of collections in other libraries in the United Kingdom( The British Library, 2012), 2volumes, 2201 pages. Rev.Dr. Vrej (Nerses) Nersessian. 4th January, 2019.