Description
This Gospel book was likely created in the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, in the eleventh century. The manuscript is remarkable on account of its exceptionally small size, as well as the high quality of its script and miniatures. Its extensive image cycle includes six full-page miniatures, four half-page miniatures, four historiated initials, and marginalia.
Gospel Book
Conservation
Date | Description | Narrative |
---|---|---|
4/08/1986 | Examination | examined for condition |
Exhibitions
- Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore. 1947.
- Illuminated Greek Manuscripts from American Collections; An Exhibition in Honor of Kurt Weitzmann. Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton. 1973.
- Byzantine Gold: Illumination in Greek Manuscripts. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1986.
- Illuminating the Word: Gospel Books in the Middle Ages. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2004.
- Shrunken Treasures: Miniaturization in Books and Art. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2009.
Provenance
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Credit
Acquired by Henry Walters
Creator
Period
late 11th centuryMedium
ink and pigments on lightweight, smooth, high quality parchment bound between wooden boards covered with green velvet with a bronze clasp(Manuscripts & Rare Books)
Accession Number
W.522Measurements
Overall H: 4 3/16 x W: 3 7/16 x D: 2 1/16 in. (10.7 x 8.7 x 5.2 cm); Folio H: 3 7/8 × W: 2 5/8 in. (9.9 × 6.7 cm)Geographies
- Constantinople (Place of Origin)
- Byzantium (Place of Binding)
- France, Paris (Place of Binding)