Armenian illuminated manuscript facts for kids
Armenian illuminated manuscripts are very special hand-written books from Armenia. They are famous for their beautiful pictures and decorations. These books are like amazing artworks that tell stories, often from the Bible. They are a big part of Armenian art history, and they also share some styles with art from the Byzantine tradition. The oldest examples we still have are from the 5th century. This was a "Golden Age" for Armenian art and writing. Today, the biggest collection of these amazing manuscripts is at the Library in Yerevan, Armenia. This collection includes famous books like the Mugni Gospels and the Echmiadzin Gospel.
Contents
What Makes These Books Special?
Armenian illuminated manuscripts are books that were carefully written and decorated by hand a long time ago. The word "illuminated" means they were brightened up with colorful pictures, gold, and silver. These books were not printed like books today. Instead, skilled artists and writers spent many years creating each one.
Art and History in One Book
These manuscripts are important for several reasons. First, they show us the amazing artistic talent of people from the Middle Ages. The pictures often tell stories from the Bible or show important events. Second, they help us understand the history and culture of Armenia. They show how people lived, what they believed, and what was important to them.
A Long Tradition
The tradition of making these beautiful books in Armenia goes back a very long time. The earliest ones we know about are from the 5th century. This was a time when Armenian art and literature were really growing. Over many centuries, artists continued to create these unique books. They developed their own special style, but they also learned from other art traditions, like the Byzantine style.
Where Can You See Them?
The largest collection of Armenian illuminated manuscripts is kept at the Matenadaran in Yerevan, Armenia. The Matenadaran is a huge library and museum that protects thousands of these ancient books. It's like a treasure chest of Armenian history and art. When you visit, you can see some of the most famous and beautiful examples, including the Mugni Gospels and the Echmiadzin Gospel. These books are not just old; they are true masterpieces of art and writing.
Images for kids
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Armenian colophon by Ignatios about the Mongol destruction he witnessed, 1236 AD.
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Page from MS 3722, Nakhijevan, 1304 AD
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The last supper, MS 313, Matenadaran.
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Vasak and his sons kneeled before Christ, Jerusalem, Armenian Patriarchate Library, Ms. 2568, known as the "Gospel of Prince Vasak", 1268–1285 AD.
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The Resurrection of Lazarus, end of the 13th c., Matenadaran Ms. 9422
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Gospel, Surkhat, Crimea, 1332, artist Grigor Suk'iasants', Marriage Feast of Cana (Yerevan, Matenadaran, MS 7664).
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Commentary of David's psalms, portrait of Grigor Tatevatsi, Ms. 1203, Matenadaran.
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Armenian Gospel of Gladzor, 1307. Italy, St. Ghazar, Mekhitarians old manuscripts library, Ms. 1917
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Return of the Magi by Toros Roslin, 1262, Walters Art Museum
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Gospel, 13th century
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Gospel, 14th century
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Yeghishe, 1569
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Crucifixion of Jesus. Gospel, 1609, The Bodleian Library
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