Manuscript

Illuminated manuscript of the Divine Liturgies

Description

The three Divine Liturgies, those of St John Chrysostom, St Basil of Caesarea, and of the Presanctified Gifts (traditionally attributed to Pope Gregory I), were frequently compiled together into a single volume, as in this manuscript. Written on paper, each liturgy is preceded by an illuminated portrait of its author. While the artistic style is clearly post-Byzantine, many of the traditional attributes of Byzantine religious art remains, including the use of decorated headpieces, containing foliage and animals.

The manuscript was written in 1600 at the Monastery of the Virgin at Demitrash, near Brusa (modern-day Bursa, Turkey). The scribe Michael completed the work at the request of the patriarch Macarius. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1923.

Full title:
Illuminated manuscript of the Divine Liturgies
Created:
1600
Format:
Manuscript
Language:
Greek
Creator:
St John Chrysostom (author), St Basil of Caesarea (author), Pope Gregory I (author), Michael (scribe)
Usage terms

Public Domain in most countries other than the UK.

Held by
British Library
Shelfmark:
Add MS 40755

Full catalogue details

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