The Gospel Book of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna

The Gospel Book of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna

Armenia — Around 1000

A stunning fragment of an early masterpiece of Armenian book art: ancient motifs, elaborate arched architectures and full-page miniatures in vibrant colors as a gateway to the four Gospels

  1. Codex 697 is the most valuable item in the manuscript collection of the Vienna Mekhitarist Congregation

  2. Only the magnificently illuminated prefatory part of the former Gospel book has survived to this day

  3. This masterpiece of early Armenian book art is illuminated with six full-page miniatures and beautiful arched architectures

The Gospel Book of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna

  1. Description
  2. Single Page
  3. Facsimile Editions (1)
Description
The Gospel Book of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna

Although only a small part of the Gospel Book of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna has survived, Codex 697 is undoubtedly the most valuable piece in the manuscript collection of the Vienna Mekhitarist Congregation. It is a wonderfully illuminated and rare manuscript from the early days of Armenian book art, which is still strongly influenced by its ancient roots. Of the once large Gospel manuscript, only the magnificent prefatory part, consisting of 16 artistically illuminated pages, has survived to this day, preparing the reader for the sacred texts. It begins with the letter from Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260/265–339), in which he explains his famous canon tables to a certain Karpianos, which were intended to bring order to the various narratives of the life of Christ. This Gospel harmony, also known as the Eusebian Canons, follows immediately and introduces a series of six full-page miniatures. This makes the manuscript an enormously valuable testimony to early Gospel illumination and its traditions in the area of Western Asia.

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Das Evangeliar der Mechitharisten-Congregation zur Wien
Mkhitʻarean Miabanutʻiwn i Vienna
Codex 697
Size / Format
16 pages / 44.5 × 33.0 cm
Origin
Armenia
Date
Around 1000
Style
Language
Script
Erkat‘agir
Illustrations
6 full-page miniatures and 7 splendid canon tables
Content
Letter from Eusebius to Carpianos, Canon Tables, Sanctuarium
Previous Owners
P. Augustin Amrikian
Single Page

The Gospel Book of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Vienna

Sanctuary

Das Evangeliar Codex 697 der Mechitharisten-Congregation zur Wien. Eine armenische Prachthandschrift der Jahrtausendwende und ihre spätantiken Vorbilder.
Facsimile Editions

#1 Das Evangeliar Codex 697 der Mechitharisten-Congregation zur Wien. Eine armenische Prachthandschrift der Jahrtausendwende und ihre spätantiken Vorbilder.

Union Verlag Berlin – Berlin, 1981

Publisher: Union Verlag Berlin – Berlin, 1981
Limited Edition: 1000 copies
Binding: Cloth binding, half vellum, gold tooling. Facsimile and commentary in one volume, which comes in a protective slipcase.
Commentary: 1 volume (42 pp.) by Heide and Helmut Buschhausen
Language: German
Facsimile Copy Available!
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