by:
Nersessian, Vreg

Publisher:
J. Paul Getty Trust Publications
Published:July 1, 2001
ISBN:0892366400
Format:Hardcover
Pages:96

Description: From Library Journal
The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor is the catalog for an exhibition at the Getty Museum highlighting the Gladzor Gospels. This early 14th-century book, currently disbound for conservation, was loaned from its neighbor institution, the Young Research Library at UCLA. Mathews (Inst. of Fine Arts, NYU) and Taylor (West Los Angeles Coll. and exhibition organizer) discuss its art history within the complex Armenian political history (a map is included). A chapter on themes within these Gospels from Gladzor includes a fascinating section on the prominence of women in the pictures. The 60 full-page color plates are stunning, and while Persian, Greek Orthodox, Syrian, and Western Christian influences can be seen, they have their own uniquely Armenian character. Thus, although Treasures from the Ark places illuminated manuscripts within the context of other types of religious art (like sculptures and liturgical textiles), The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor focuses in depth on one specific manuscript. And just as its title emphasizes, The Bible in the Armenian Tradition itself uses illuminations as a means to understand and remember the biblical text. Libraries in cities with Armenian populations, like Los Angeles, will want all three books. Yet precisely because they are not mainstream, other academic and public libraries may want to consider one or all of these titles to introduce more people to the aesthetic appeal and intense devotion manifested in Christian Armenian art. Anne Marie Lane, American Heritage Ctr., Laramie, WY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.