Hymnal

Description This hymnal was completed in Constantinople on August 15, 1678 [AE 1127], by the priest Yakob Peligratci, having been commissioned by Clav, son of Nawasard, as a dedication to his sons, Astuacatur and Sahak. The structure of the hymns adheres approximately to the standard Armenian hymnal (), with minor variations in order and a few substitutions (see Sanjian in the bibliography). The book is illuminated extensively, with thirty-eight full- and half-page polychrome miniatures against gold backgrounds, eight decorated head-pieces marking the principal divisions of the hymnal, and numerous marginal miniatures marking individual hymns, including biblical figures, saints, bishops, and vignettes. The style of the miniatures is largely in imitation of western European models, though more traditional Armenian and Byzantine influences stand out, such as the vibrant color palette, an iconic frontality for depictions of saints and bishops, and the highly abstracted floral motifs and zoomorphic incipits marking hymn divisions.

Exhibitions

• Treasures in Heaven: Armenian Manuscript Illumination. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1988.
• Treasures in Heaven: Armenian Illuminated Manuscripts. The Morgan Library & Museum, New York; The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1994.

Provenance Clav, son of Nawasard, Š?nul, 1678, by commission; Moses, son of Ohanjay, Constantinople, 1712 (?) [mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, by purchase [date of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters