Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gospel book
Armenia, Dǎsirk', 13th century
MS M.620 fol. 297r

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Headpiece of double-headed eagle as Evangelist symbol of John, in arch, above nimbed angel as half figure of Evangelist symbol of Matthew, with hands raised in blessing, flanked by two pairs of confronting lions on hind legs, representing Evangelist symbol of Mark, and two pairs of confronting oxen on hind legs, representing Evangelist symbol of Luke.
In upper margin, two flying birds above pair of birds feeding from goblets on the headpiece.
In left margin and below, Evangelist symbols composed of angel, eagle holding book, and pair of confronting lions on base, and the book above winged ox, all forming part of initial to beginning of incipit of John 1:1 written in pharagir (zoomorphic) display script formed by birds.
In right margin, double traverse cross above floreate decoration sprouting from vessel, on raised base.