Add MS 39627
1355-1356, The Gospels of Tsar Ivan Alexander, with added Menologion: The four Gospels, in Slavonic, with marked chapters and Ammonian sections. The chapters are not distinguished in the text, but their titles have been written in gold in the margins. Liturgical directions are inserted in red. A menology, a guide to the time and manner of the study of the Scriptures, and a synaxaria have been added at the end (fifteenth century). Copied from a Greek original by the monk Simeon for the Bulgarian Tsar, Ivan Alexander (see the colophon on ff. 274-275). Contents: f. 1r: Table of miniatures by H. Omont. ff. 2v-3r: Royal portrait. ff. 3v-86v: Gospel of St Matthew, with initial table of contents (ff. 3v-4r). ff. 87r-134v: Gospel of St Mark, with initial table of contents (f. 87r). ff. 135r-212r: Gospel of St Luke, with initial table of contents (ff. 135r-136r). ff. 212v-272v: Gospel of St John, with initial table of contents (f. 212v). f. 273v: Magic square encoding the name of Tsar Ivan Alexander. ff. 274r-275r: Colophon of the scribe Simeon. Decoration: The manuscript is lavishly illustrated by several anonymous artists in the tradition of the Turnovo school, with 367 miniatures depicting 630 different scenes. Each of the Gospels includes a half-page headpiece at the opening of the Gospel text, featuring a roundel portrait of the Evangelist on a decorative floriated field. At the end of each Gospel is an image of the Evangelist presenting his text to Tsar Ivan Alexander (ff. 86v, 134v, 212v, and 272v). Miniatures within the Gospels depict scenes from the text: Matthew (104 miniatures, ff. 6r-86r), Mark (65 miniatures, ff. 88r-134v), Luke (100 miniatures, ff. 137r-212r), and John (90 miniatures, ff. 213r-272v). Highlights of the illustration include: f. 2v-3r: Royal portrait. On f. 2v is Constantine, the son-in-law of Ivan Alexander, flanked by three daughters of the tsar: Kerathamar (Constantine's wife), Keratsa and Desislava. On f. 3r, Ivan Alexander is represented full length in imperial garb, accompanied by his wife Theodora, his son Ivan Shishnan in imperial garb (he is mentioned as Tsar along with his father in the colophon), and another son Ivan Asen. Above, two hands emerge from a cloud, making gestures of blessing over the Tsar and his wife. f. 6r: Headpiece of the Gospel of Matthew. Roundel portrait of the Evangelist in the center of a floriated background. Five smaller roundels are arranged around him, depicting ‘the ancient of days’ (above), two six-winged cherubim, Abraham (lower left), and Isaac (lower right). f. 10r: The Nativity. The Magi are depicted twice: once in adoration, and a second time at their departure. f. 88r: Headpiece of the Gospel of Mark. Roundel portrait of the Evangelist in the center of a floriated background. Three smaller roundels above depict Christ (in the center, shown as a youth), John the Baptist (left) and Isaiah (right). f. 124r: Miniature of the Last Judgement. Includes a depiction of Tsar Ivan Alexander in conversation with Mary. f. 137r: Headpiece of the Gospel of Luke. Roundel portrait of the Evangelist in the center of a floriated background. Two smaller roundels depict Christ (above, bearded) and Zacharaiah (below). f. 213r: Headpiece of the Gospel of John. Roundel portrait of the Evangelist in the center of a floriated background. Three smaller roundels below each depict a member of the Trinity. f. 273v: The 'magic square' diagram.
 
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