Amida Gospels, Walters Art Museum, Ms W.541, fol. 112v

Illuminated Manuscript, Amida Gospels, Walters Art Museum, Ms W.541, fol. 112v, originally uploaded by Walters Art Museum Illuminated Manuscripts.

This highly decorated Gospel Book was made in Armenia in the early seventeenth century. An extensive colophon reveals that it was commissioned by a woman named Napat' as a memorial for herself and her family, and the book was consequently given by her to the Church of Saint Sargis in Amida. The artist, Hovannes, and the scribe, Melk'on, are known collaborators on a number of of other manuscripts, and this book is an excellent example of their skill. Richly painted Evangelist portraits and intricate canon tables are complimented by simpler marginal illuminations that often connects to the Gospel passages they adorn. Related manuscripts by this artist and scribe team include Erevan, Matenadaran, no. 1245, and London, British Museum, Add. Ms. 27, 301. Portrait of the Evangelist Luke.