Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gospel book
Armenia, Dǎsirk', 13th century
MS M.620 fol. 11r

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Rectangular headpiece with niche, decorated with geometric and foliate ornament.
Above, pair of peacocks flank two smaller birds feeding from vessel; a central taller vessel holds foliage.
Below, nimbed angel as Evangelist symbol of Matthew, holding cross-inscribed book, all forming part of initial at beginning of Matthew 1:1 in pharagir (zoomorphic) letters.
In right margin, cross with flared arms, above decoration of floreate and zoomorphic ornament.