Vatopedi Octateuch

The famous Vatopedi Octateuch is undoubtedly one of the most valuable possessions of the library of the monastery of Vatopedi, which was founded in the early Middle Ages. It is a 469-leaf “fragment” of a Byzantine Octateuch, which was probably created in Constantinople in the late 13th century. An Octateuch contains the first eight books of the oldest Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, i.e. the Pentateuch as well as the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth. Codex Vatopedinus 602 contains the books of Leviticus to Ruth, which are illuminated with 164 captivating, narrative miniatures created by two book artists. They vividly visualize the Old Testament stories in red frames and vibrant colors. A special splendor unfolds through the constant use of precious gold. The illuminators used an older illuminated 12th century Byzantine Bible manuscript (Ms. vat. gr. 756, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana) and the beautiful 10th century Joshua Roll as models.