![BIBLE, Slavonic - Apokalypsis [with commentary by St. Andrew Archbishop of Cesarea in Cappadocia]. Illuminated manuscript on paper. Provincial Russia, circa 1800.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2000/CSK/2000_CSK_08942_0251_000(020910).jpg?w=1)
Details
BIBLE, Slavonic - Apokalypsis [with commentary by St. Andrew Archbishop of Cesarea in Cappadocia]. Illuminated manuscript on paper. Provincial Russia, circa 1800.
Folio, 290 x 210mm., 43 gatherings (numbered in Slavonic alphabetic numerals 1-40, 40-42) in four to eight sheets each, on varied stocks of paper, 232 folia only (of 233, lacking folio 162), with two headpieces of varicolour pan-Slavic foliate scrolls, title within ornamental border incorporating initial, 71 similar illuminated initials, and 71 full-page illuminations showing St. John the Evangelist receiving the book of Apocalypse from the angel dictated by God, with many scenes described in the text. Written in black, with red titles and initials, 20 lines to a page, each leaf paginated in Slavonic alphabetic numerals (rather soiled, some tears, one leaf into text repaired, a few leaves loose). Contemporary blind-stamped calf, covers with five brass studs (rubbed, spine worn, lacks clasps).
A fine example of book production by the Old Believers, the sect that did not accept the Nikonian changes to the Byzantine rite in Russia in the late 17th century, Not accepting modern innovations, the Old Believers produced their service- and prayer-books by hand until the end of the 19th century. This text of the Apocalypse has typical illustrations to the text of St. John, copied from earlier prototypes.
Folio, 290 x 210mm., 43 gatherings (numbered in Slavonic alphabetic numerals 1-40, 40-42) in four to eight sheets each, on varied stocks of paper, 232 folia only (of 233, lacking folio 162), with two headpieces of varicolour pan-Slavic foliate scrolls, title within ornamental border incorporating initial, 71 similar illuminated initials, and 71 full-page illuminations showing St. John the Evangelist receiving the book of Apocalypse from the angel dictated by God, with many scenes described in the text. Written in black, with red titles and initials, 20 lines to a page, each leaf paginated in Slavonic alphabetic numerals (rather soiled, some tears, one leaf into text repaired, a few leaves loose). Contemporary blind-stamped calf, covers with five brass studs (rubbed, spine worn, lacks clasps).
A fine example of book production by the Old Believers, the sect that did not accept the Nikonian changes to the Byzantine rite in Russia in the late 17th century, Not accepting modern innovations, the Old Believers produced their service- and prayer-books by hand until the end of the 19th century. This text of the Apocalypse has typical illustrations to the text of St. John, copied from earlier prototypes.
Provenance
Partially legible inscription in Russian on back paste-down 'Bought by me Ivan P. Makov this book of the Apocalypse with commentary...one ruble...'; further annotation 'Manuscript N7'.
Special notice
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