Marian Homilies

Marian Homilies

The Byzantine Empire was one of the most long-lived in world history. Some of the most important works of art and literature originate from Byzantine culture. The coveted hand-written and -illuminated codices of the Byzantine masters influenced book art for centuries. Among the countless luminaries of the Byzantine school stood the Kokkinobaphos Master. His Marian Homilies, which originate from the first half of the 12th century, probably constitute the most beautiful manuscripts of James. The literary work is illustrated with 82 sometimes full-page miniatures on shimmering gold backgrounds.

What is a Homily?

In the Catholic Church, the term “Homily” denotes the sermon during a mass, in which the recited biblical readings are interpreted. The homily is a fixed component of church mass on Sundays and holidays. The homily is reserved for church officials in a holy mass, outside of the celebration of mass it can be abided by laymen. A collection of homilies is referred to as a homilary. James Jakobos made numerous valuable homilaries for different biblical readings, the Marian Homilies probably represent his most masterly performance.

Valuable Byzantine Miniatures

The Marian Homilies span 386 pages with glimmering gold script and 82 highly valuable miniatures. The work was made in a rich studio in Constantinople by the anonymous Kokkinobaphos Master. The sometimes full-page miniatures, which illustrate the biblical events depicted in the text, are depicted in high-quality colors. Each miniature was set against a lavish gold background. Along with the full page pictures, the work contains numerous initials decorated with motifs of animals and plants. The pictures shimmering and sparkling with gold have an almost surreal effect on the beholder. It is a dreamy example for the inestimably valuable book art of the bygone Byzantine Empire.