Item Summary

Illuminated copy of the Four Gospels.

Descriptive Information

Title
[Four Gospels]
Call Number
C0744.14 (Garrett Armenian, no. 2)
Identifier
ark:/88435/dctt44q254h
Publisher
[Erzincan], 898 [1449]
Language
Armenian
Date Created
1449
Extent
244 leaves : paper ; 264 x 178 (200 x 130-134) mm bound to 273 x 190 mm.
Provenance
Note that the ms belonged to the church of Surb Gēorg (St. George) (fol. 3r).
References
Sanjian, A. K. A catalogue of medieval Armenian manuscripts in the United States, 89, pages 395-400.
Rights Statement
Copyright Not Evaluated
Contents
1. fol. 3v-4r: [Eusebius' letter to Carpianus]
2. fol. 6v-6r: [Miniatures]. Annunciation and presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
3. fol. 7v-12r: [Canon tables]
4. fol. 13v-19v: [Miniatures]. Nativity, Resurrection, Madonna and child, baptism of Christ, Last Supper, descent into Limbus, Matthew.
5. fol. 20r-82v: [Gospel of Matthew]
6. fol. 83v: [Miniature of Mark]
7. fol. 84r-123r: [Gospel of Mark]
8. fol. 123v: [Miniature of Luke]
9. fol. 124r-189v: [Gospel of Luke]
10. fol. 190v: [Miniature of John and Prochoros]
11. fol. 191r-240r: [Gospel of John]
12. fol. 240r-241r: [Principal colophon]
Notes
Ms. codex.
Title devised by cataloger.
Previously listed as Princeton's Garrett MS.18. Sections numbers in margins, concordance numbers in lower margina. Inscriptions (fol. 1r, 3r and 244v). Note on the restoration of the manuscript (fol. 241v). Thread page markers. Garrett's bookplate and Princeton University Library label (upper pastedown)
Collation: Paper ; fol. iii (parchment) + 244 + iii (parchment) ; modern foliation in pencil using Western numerals.
Layout: 22-23 lines per page in two columns.
Decoration: 12 full-page miniatures consisting of images from the life of Christ and portraits of the Evangelists. Letter of Eusebius and Canon Tables have elaborate frames. Opening pages of Gospels have ornate headpieces and the opening line of each is written in zoomorphic letters. Numerous marginal ornaments of birds, floral designs, and figures. Initials in red ink. Edges of text block painted with floral design.
Origin: According to the colophon copied by Yovanes Erec at the Church of Surb Astuacacin in Eznka (Erzincan) in 898 (fol. 240r-241r).
Binding Note
Later binding in red silk brocade. Gilt silver decorations on lower cover: framing, 4 figures of Christ crucified, a central vignette (Christ crucified, the Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdelene), and a florette with a semi-precious stone. Upper cover metal decorations missing. Remnants of two metal clasps on upper and lower covers. Blue and gold brocade doublures. Flyleaves of re-used 9th-century parchment manuscript.

Discovery Information

Subject
Manuscripts, Armenian—New Jersey—Princeton
Donors' bookplates
Clasps
illuminated manuscripts
Bosses (Bindings)
headpieces (layout features)
illuminations (paintings)
figure initials
Cloth bindings
Silver bindings

Physical Characteristics

File Count
502

Institutional Information

Collection
Medieval and Renaissance Mediterranean Manuscripts
IIIF Manifest URL

https://figgy.princeton.edu/concern/scanned_resources/d5bfaa44-d386-4a73-b88f-f1b90b135e1a/manifest