T'oros Roslin Gospels, Binding, Walters Manuscript W.539, Upper board outside

This manuscript was made in 1262 by T’oros Roslin, an extremely prominent illuminator, who extended the range of manuscript illuminations by introducing a whole cycle of images into the gospels rather than, as was traditional, only including the portraits of the evangelists. This particular manuscript was created at the scriptorium of Hromkla, which became the leading artistic center of Armenian Cilicia under the rule of catholicos Constantine I (1221-1267). As an extensive colophon starting on fol. 406v explains, T’oros created this manuscript under commission from the nephew of Constantine, a priest also named T’oros. It is one of seven known manuscripts bearing T’oros Roslin’s signature, and it is the most sumptuous of them all, with 15 miniatures and 67 smaller illustrations. The style of the images suggests that T’oros had several assistants helping with the illustrations, though the overall quality remains extremely high. The manuscript was long cherished within the Armenian church. Even in the seventeenth century, its illumination served as a model for Armenian scribes, particularly Bargham and his son Mik’ayel; see Jersualem, Armenian Patriarchate, no. 3438 and Washington DC, Freer Gallery, ms. 36.15; in the latter manuscript, Mik’ayel explicitly refers to “the excellent scribe T’oros, surnamed Roslin.”

Non-original binding. Brown stamped leather with flap and three straps. The latter are modern replacements attached to the lower cover by old engraved silver sheaths which swivel on rosettes, and loop over ornamental silver pegs on the upper cover. To the center of the upper cover is nailed a large jeweled silver-gilt plaque shaped as a cross. This is flanked by four small gilt-metal crucifixes cast in relief, and four corner pieces with representations in relief of the symbols of the Evangelists. Inscription on the upper crucifix on the left: "This holy cross is a memorial for the soul of Mkrtitchm in the year 1092" (1643 CE); on the right: "This holy cross is a memorial for the soul of Hovannes, 1092" (1643 CE). Inscription on the triangular base of the large cross: "This is the work of the deacon Mik'ayel. Whoever remembers [me], may he be blessed by God. Father, I have sinned." Framing the upper cover is a silver band, 3 cm wide, engraved with floral and geometric designs and nielloed.

To explore fully digitized manuscripts with a virtual page-turning application, please visit Walters Ex Libris.

Taken on: February 12, 2013

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Sets appears in: • Orthodox Christian Bindings • Walters Art Museum Ms. W.539

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