Illuminated Bible of the Armenian Master Ghazar Baberdatsi of Lvov

Abstract

The proposed subject has tremendous significance for specialists in the field of studying iconography, Armenian miniature painting and theology, since the article examines and analyzes the relationship of miniatures of the masters of the Armenian community of New Julfa (Isfahan, Iran) with the works of Armenian miniaturists of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth of the first quarter of the 17th century. This is especially presented in the iconography of full-page miniatures with the biblical and apocalyptical scenes in the traditions of the East and West. Thus, the miniatures of the Bible (Matenadaran, M351) illuminated by the master Ghazar Baberdatsi in the Armenian monastery of the Assumption of Theotokos at Lvov in 1616–1619 are directly affected on the development of iconographic schemes of miniatures created by the New Julfan craftsmen in the second quarter of the seventeenth century. Such influence, in particular, can be traced in the works of the master Hayrapet Jughayetsi. Also, thanks to the surviving colophons of the Lvov Bible, a number of aspects related to the attribution of the authorship of miniatures have become clear.

Keywords

• ghazar baberdatsi
• illustrated bible
• title pages
• manuscripts
• armenian masters
• miniatures
• iconography
• polish-lithuanian commonwealth
• lvоv
• new julfa