![DIMITRII OF MOSCOW, SON OF IVAN THE TERRIBLE -- ZHITIE DIMITRIIA UGLICHSKOGO [THE LIFE AND MIRACLES OF SAINT DIMITRII OF MOSCOW AND UGLICH AND OF ALL RUSSIA], in Church Slavonic, ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON PAPER](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/CKS/2001_CKS_06521_0021_000(035151).jpg?w=1)
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DIMITRII OF MOSCOW, SON OF IVAN THE TERRIBLE -- ZHITIE DIMITRIIA UGLICHSKOGO [THE LIFE AND MIRACLES OF SAINT DIMITRII OF MOSCOW AND UGLICH AND OF ALL RUSSIA], in Church Slavonic, ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON PAPER
[Central Russia, mid-17th century]
330 x 205mm. 230 leaves (including first and final blanks, excluding paste-downs), mostly in gatherings of 8, except 86 and 276), COMPLETE, signatures in contemporary Slavonic alphabetic numerals from f.8 onwards, 14 lines written in black ink in a bold uncial script with the usual abbreviations and punctuation, within traditional Russian foliate borders in green, yellow, mauve and red, with similar decorated headlines, FOUR ELABORATE TITLE DECORATIONS in entwined floral designs in muted colours highlighted in gold, each with similar marginal ornament, headings and chapter initials in red, TWENTY-EIGHT LARGE MINIATURES and NINETY-FOUR SMALLER MINIATURES (f.110 with one corner torn away with later restoration, minor soiling from use with occasional smudging affecting text or illustration). Contemporary red velvet over wooden boards, silver centrepiece engraved with the image of St Dimitrii with Moscow in the background, engraved cornerpieces and catches on upper cover, lower cover with central and corner rests (rubbed, extremities worn, metal pieces all slightly damaged, clasps lacking, slightly loose, upper cover detached).
A REMARKABLY FINELY WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED MANUSCRIPT
PROVENANCE:
1. Collection number '133' on final pastedown; pencilled number '230' on final endpaper.
2. Mogiz Antiquarian Booksellers Shop No. 14 price 350 rubles (printed paper label pasted inside upper cover), with pencil inscription dated July 1939.
CONTENT:
18 October, Birth of the holy and righteous God-fearing Tsarevich and Great Prince Dimitrii of Moscow and all Russia, the Wonderworker f.10; 15 May, Martyrdom of Dimitrii f.65; 3 June, Translation of the relics of Dimitrii from the city of Uglich to the capital city of Moscow 1606 f.68; 18 October, Birth and life of Dimitrii f.110; Appearances of Dimitrii Ivanovich of Uglich and Moscow and of all Russia f.142; Translation of the relics of Dimitrii from the city of Uglich to the captial of Moscow f.172; Martyrdom of Dimitrii f.184; Miracles of Dimitrii f.189
An historical document covering the years 1583 to 1606 based on the life of Dimitrii, the youngest child of Tsar Ivan IV Vasil'evich, the Terrible, and his seventh (officially fifth) wife Mariia Fedorovna Nagaia. Dimitrii was born on 19 October 1583 and given the principality of Uglich. Ivan the Terrible had killed his eldest son Ivan in 1581; his second son Fedor (b.1557) who succeeded as tsarevich, was married to Irina, the sister of Boris Godunov. Ivan died on 18 March 1584 leaving his children under the guardianship of Boris.
This manuscript traces the reign of Fedor and succeeding years in the traditional manner, laying the blame for Russia's 'Time of Troubles' (Smutnoe vremia) on Boris Godunov. During Fedor's reign he exiled the Tsaritsa Mariia and the young Dimitrii to Uglich, where on his orders the tsarevich was murdered on 15 May 1591. The succeeding events including the fire of Moscow and the uprisings and bloodshed are related with a strong bias against Boris. On his order the Tsaritsa Mariia is shorn a nun taking the name of Marfa, supporters of Dimitrii at Uglich are executed and exiled. On Fedor's death on 6 January 1598 Boris has himself elected tsar in Moscow. The first imposter, False Dimitrii, whose real name was Grigorii Otrep'ev, is introduced at the monastery, being ordained a deacon and then defrocked. He is referred to throughout the manuscript as the defrocked monk 'Rostrig'. He fled to Lithuania where he easily won the support of the unruly Lithuanian magnates, and of the Pole Iurii Mniszek. His advance with an army precipitated the death of Boris on 13 April 1605, which facilitated his capture of Moscow. The defrocked monk there is crowned, marries Marina Mniszek and converts to Catholicism. Among his activities the False Dimitrii has Boris' wife and son murdered, his daughter Ksenia is forced to take the veil, and his opponents persecuted and exiled. Vasilii Ivanovich Shuiskii then incites the populace against the Poles, and the defrocked monk and his military aide Petr Basmanov are killed and their bodies burnt.
Vasilii Shuiskii is elected and crowned tsar and it was his agreement with the Patriarch Germogen of Moscow that the relics of Dimitrii be brought to Moscow by Metropolitan Filaret of Rostov. The remainder of the manuscript deals exclusively with the miracles of the saint curing the sick and blind, and other wonderful events.
The subjects of the large miniatures are as follows:
f.109v St Dimitrii before the city of Moscow f.111 Tsar Ivan Vasil'evich and Tsarevich Fedor Ivanovich; below the Birth of Dimitrii to the Tsaritsa Mariia
f.113v Education of Fedor in Moscow; below the education of Dimitrii in Uglich
f.114v Fedor at prayer; below Fedor conferring with Boris [Godunov]
f.120v The traitress Vasilissa with her mother and the Tsaritsa Mariia with Dimitrii; below a view of the palace at Uglich with Dimitrii descending the stairs towards his murderers
f.131 View of the fire in Moscow; below Tsar Fedor receiving the news and the Tsar at the tomb of St Sergei of Radonezh
f.140 Envoys from Uglich at Moscow before Tsar Fedor and Boris Godunov; below the Tsar hearing the news of the murder at Uglich
f.141v St Dimitrii before the city
f.144 Tsaritsa Mariia shorn as the nun Marfa; below the Nun exiled under guard in a convent
f.145v Inhabitants of Uglich exiled on orders of Boris
f.156 The defrocked monk [False Dimitrii] enthroned in Lithuania; below his army setting out for Moscow
f.157 The city of Chernigov surrenders to the defrocked monk
f.160 Envoys of Boris hear of Boris' death; below the envoys give homage to the defrocked monk
f.162 Boris' wife and son strangled by soldiers of the defrocked monk
f.163 The defrocked monk at the gates of Moscow
f.165 Removal of Boris' tomb from Moscow; below the defrocked monk watching the removal
f.166v Boris' family persecuted by the defrocked monk
f.168v Marriage of the defrocked monk to Marina
f.169v The defrocked monk renounces Orthodoxy and becomes a Catholic
f.171 Execution of the defrocked monk Grisha and Petrusha Basmanov and burning of their bodies
f.171v St Dimitrii before the city of Uglich f.173v Vasilii Ivanovich Shuiskii enthroned as Tsar
f.176 Meeting of Vasilii and Patriarch Germogen with Metropolitan Filaret of Rostov and Uglich
f.183 The arrival of the relics of St Dimitrii in Moscow produces miracles
f.183v St Dimitrii
f.188v St Dimitrii
f.189v Burial of St Dimitrii
The subjects of the smaller miniatures are as follows: f.112 Burial of Tsar Ivan Vasil'evich [the Terrible]; f.116 Tsar Boris contemplating how to kill the Tsarevich, f.119 Boris being advised by traitors how to kill the Tsarevich, f.121v Dimitrii is murdered by Nikita Kachalov and Danilko Bitiagovskii, f.123v Dimitrii is mourned by his mother and others, f.125 Murder of Dimitrii's killers by the citizenry, f.126 the evil-doers flee to report their actions to Boris, f.129v Sorrow of Fedor and repentance of Boris, f.130 Fedor and Boris at the tomb of St Sergius of Radonezh, f.134v Boris unanimously selected as heir to Fedor, f.135 Fedor goes to Uglich for Dimitrii's funeral, f.136 Boris pays the arsonists of Moscow, f.139 The Lying-in-State and funeral of Dimitrii at Uglich, f.146v Death of Tsar Fedor Ivanovich, f.147 Boris Fedorovich enthroned as tsar, f.147v Exiles and executions on orders of Boris, f.148v Boris hearing of the miracles of St Dimitrii, f.150 Boris forbids the relating of the miracles of St Dimitrii, f.152 Apparition of St Dimitrii to Starets Tikhon, f.153 Grisha Otrep'ev shorn as a monk, f.153v Grisha Otrep'ev as a deacon and as a defrocked monk, f.155 Appearance of the defrocked monk in Lithuania calling himself Dimitrii, f.158 Boris hears the news in sorrow, f.158v Death of Boris, f.159 The defrocked monk rejoices on the death of Boris, f.160v The defrocked monk and his army approach Moscow, f.161 The defrocked monk sends envoys to Moscow, f.163v The defrocked monk enthroned as tsar, f.164 The defrocked monk introduces himself to his mother, the nun Marfa, f.165v Tsarevna Ksenia forced to take the veil by the defrocked monk, f.167 The defrocked monk starts his reign with shedding of blood, f.174v Agreement between Tsar Vasilii and Patriarch Germogen, f.177v Opening of the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.178 Miracles at the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.178v Arrival of the relics of St Dimitrii at Moscow, f.179v Tsar Vasilii rejoices on the arrival of the relics, f.180 Relics of St Dimitrii brought to the cathedral, f.180v Relics of St Dimitrii brought to the Church of the Archangel Michael, f.181 Preparation of the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.181v Funeral of St Dimitrii, f.184v Birth of the Tsarevich Dimitrii, f.185 Death of Tsar Ivan Vasil'evich, f.186 Murder of Tsarevich Dimitrii, f.186v Funeral of Tsarevich Dimitrii, f.187v Translation of the relics of St Dimitrii to Moscow, f.188 Miracles at the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.190v and following 48 smaller illustrations of the various miracles by St Dimitrii.
We have been unable to identify this manuscript among those listed by Barsukov in his Russian hagiography published in 1882, citing various manuscript collections; for further discussion on this hagiography see Dictionary of the Bibliophiles and Bibliography of Ancient Russia, Part III (XVII Century), vol 1 (St Petersburg 1992) pp. 338-342.
[Central Russia, mid-17th century]
330 x 205mm. 230 leaves (including first and final blanks, excluding paste-downs), mostly in gatherings of 8, except 86 and 276), COMPLETE, signatures in contemporary Slavonic alphabetic numerals from f.8 onwards, 14 lines written in black ink in a bold uncial script with the usual abbreviations and punctuation, within traditional Russian foliate borders in green, yellow, mauve and red, with similar decorated headlines, FOUR ELABORATE TITLE DECORATIONS in entwined floral designs in muted colours highlighted in gold, each with similar marginal ornament, headings and chapter initials in red, TWENTY-EIGHT LARGE MINIATURES and NINETY-FOUR SMALLER MINIATURES (f.110 with one corner torn away with later restoration, minor soiling from use with occasional smudging affecting text or illustration). Contemporary red velvet over wooden boards, silver centrepiece engraved with the image of St Dimitrii with Moscow in the background, engraved cornerpieces and catches on upper cover, lower cover with central and corner rests (rubbed, extremities worn, metal pieces all slightly damaged, clasps lacking, slightly loose, upper cover detached).
A REMARKABLY FINELY WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED MANUSCRIPT
PROVENANCE:
1. Collection number '133' on final pastedown; pencilled number '230' on final endpaper.
2. Mogiz Antiquarian Booksellers Shop No. 14 price 350 rubles (printed paper label pasted inside upper cover), with pencil inscription dated July 1939.
CONTENT:
18 October, Birth of the holy and righteous God-fearing Tsarevich and Great Prince Dimitrii of Moscow and all Russia, the Wonderworker f.10; 15 May, Martyrdom of Dimitrii f.65; 3 June, Translation of the relics of Dimitrii from the city of Uglich to the capital city of Moscow 1606 f.68; 18 October, Birth and life of Dimitrii f.110; Appearances of Dimitrii Ivanovich of Uglich and Moscow and of all Russia f.142; Translation of the relics of Dimitrii from the city of Uglich to the captial of Moscow f.172; Martyrdom of Dimitrii f.184; Miracles of Dimitrii f.189
An historical document covering the years 1583 to 1606 based on the life of Dimitrii, the youngest child of Tsar Ivan IV Vasil'evich, the Terrible, and his seventh (officially fifth) wife Mariia Fedorovna Nagaia. Dimitrii was born on 19 October 1583 and given the principality of Uglich. Ivan the Terrible had killed his eldest son Ivan in 1581; his second son Fedor (b.1557) who succeeded as tsarevich, was married to Irina, the sister of Boris Godunov. Ivan died on 18 March 1584 leaving his children under the guardianship of Boris.
This manuscript traces the reign of Fedor and succeeding years in the traditional manner, laying the blame for Russia's 'Time of Troubles' (Smutnoe vremia) on Boris Godunov. During Fedor's reign he exiled the Tsaritsa Mariia and the young Dimitrii to Uglich, where on his orders the tsarevich was murdered on 15 May 1591. The succeeding events including the fire of Moscow and the uprisings and bloodshed are related with a strong bias against Boris. On his order the Tsaritsa Mariia is shorn a nun taking the name of Marfa, supporters of Dimitrii at Uglich are executed and exiled. On Fedor's death on 6 January 1598 Boris has himself elected tsar in Moscow. The first imposter, False Dimitrii, whose real name was Grigorii Otrep'ev, is introduced at the monastery, being ordained a deacon and then defrocked. He is referred to throughout the manuscript as the defrocked monk 'Rostrig'. He fled to Lithuania where he easily won the support of the unruly Lithuanian magnates, and of the Pole Iurii Mniszek. His advance with an army precipitated the death of Boris on 13 April 1605, which facilitated his capture of Moscow. The defrocked monk there is crowned, marries Marina Mniszek and converts to Catholicism. Among his activities the False Dimitrii has Boris' wife and son murdered, his daughter Ksenia is forced to take the veil, and his opponents persecuted and exiled. Vasilii Ivanovich Shuiskii then incites the populace against the Poles, and the defrocked monk and his military aide Petr Basmanov are killed and their bodies burnt.
Vasilii Shuiskii is elected and crowned tsar and it was his agreement with the Patriarch Germogen of Moscow that the relics of Dimitrii be brought to Moscow by Metropolitan Filaret of Rostov. The remainder of the manuscript deals exclusively with the miracles of the saint curing the sick and blind, and other wonderful events.
The subjects of the large miniatures are as follows:
f.109v St Dimitrii before the city of Moscow f.111 Tsar Ivan Vasil'evich and Tsarevich Fedor Ivanovich; below the Birth of Dimitrii to the Tsaritsa Mariia
f.113v Education of Fedor in Moscow; below the education of Dimitrii in Uglich
f.114v Fedor at prayer; below Fedor conferring with Boris [Godunov]
f.120v The traitress Vasilissa with her mother and the Tsaritsa Mariia with Dimitrii; below a view of the palace at Uglich with Dimitrii descending the stairs towards his murderers
f.131 View of the fire in Moscow; below Tsar Fedor receiving the news and the Tsar at the tomb of St Sergei of Radonezh
f.140 Envoys from Uglich at Moscow before Tsar Fedor and Boris Godunov; below the Tsar hearing the news of the murder at Uglich
f.141v St Dimitrii before the city
f.144 Tsaritsa Mariia shorn as the nun Marfa; below the Nun exiled under guard in a convent
f.145v Inhabitants of Uglich exiled on orders of Boris
f.156 The defrocked monk [False Dimitrii] enthroned in Lithuania; below his army setting out for Moscow
f.157 The city of Chernigov surrenders to the defrocked monk
f.160 Envoys of Boris hear of Boris' death; below the envoys give homage to the defrocked monk
f.162 Boris' wife and son strangled by soldiers of the defrocked monk
f.163 The defrocked monk at the gates of Moscow
f.165 Removal of Boris' tomb from Moscow; below the defrocked monk watching the removal
f.166v Boris' family persecuted by the defrocked monk
f.168v Marriage of the defrocked monk to Marina
f.169v The defrocked monk renounces Orthodoxy and becomes a Catholic
f.171 Execution of the defrocked monk Grisha and Petrusha Basmanov and burning of their bodies
f.171v St Dimitrii before the city of Uglich f.173v Vasilii Ivanovich Shuiskii enthroned as Tsar
f.176 Meeting of Vasilii and Patriarch Germogen with Metropolitan Filaret of Rostov and Uglich
f.183 The arrival of the relics of St Dimitrii in Moscow produces miracles
f.183v St Dimitrii
f.188v St Dimitrii
f.189v Burial of St Dimitrii
The subjects of the smaller miniatures are as follows: f.112 Burial of Tsar Ivan Vasil'evich [the Terrible]; f.116 Tsar Boris contemplating how to kill the Tsarevich, f.119 Boris being advised by traitors how to kill the Tsarevich, f.121v Dimitrii is murdered by Nikita Kachalov and Danilko Bitiagovskii, f.123v Dimitrii is mourned by his mother and others, f.125 Murder of Dimitrii's killers by the citizenry, f.126 the evil-doers flee to report their actions to Boris, f.129v Sorrow of Fedor and repentance of Boris, f.130 Fedor and Boris at the tomb of St Sergius of Radonezh, f.134v Boris unanimously selected as heir to Fedor, f.135 Fedor goes to Uglich for Dimitrii's funeral, f.136 Boris pays the arsonists of Moscow, f.139 The Lying-in-State and funeral of Dimitrii at Uglich, f.146v Death of Tsar Fedor Ivanovich, f.147 Boris Fedorovich enthroned as tsar, f.147v Exiles and executions on orders of Boris, f.148v Boris hearing of the miracles of St Dimitrii, f.150 Boris forbids the relating of the miracles of St Dimitrii, f.152 Apparition of St Dimitrii to Starets Tikhon, f.153 Grisha Otrep'ev shorn as a monk, f.153v Grisha Otrep'ev as a deacon and as a defrocked monk, f.155 Appearance of the defrocked monk in Lithuania calling himself Dimitrii, f.158 Boris hears the news in sorrow, f.158v Death of Boris, f.159 The defrocked monk rejoices on the death of Boris, f.160v The defrocked monk and his army approach Moscow, f.161 The defrocked monk sends envoys to Moscow, f.163v The defrocked monk enthroned as tsar, f.164 The defrocked monk introduces himself to his mother, the nun Marfa, f.165v Tsarevna Ksenia forced to take the veil by the defrocked monk, f.167 The defrocked monk starts his reign with shedding of blood, f.174v Agreement between Tsar Vasilii and Patriarch Germogen, f.177v Opening of the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.178 Miracles at the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.178v Arrival of the relics of St Dimitrii at Moscow, f.179v Tsar Vasilii rejoices on the arrival of the relics, f.180 Relics of St Dimitrii brought to the cathedral, f.180v Relics of St Dimitrii brought to the Church of the Archangel Michael, f.181 Preparation of the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.181v Funeral of St Dimitrii, f.184v Birth of the Tsarevich Dimitrii, f.185 Death of Tsar Ivan Vasil'evich, f.186 Murder of Tsarevich Dimitrii, f.186v Funeral of Tsarevich Dimitrii, f.187v Translation of the relics of St Dimitrii to Moscow, f.188 Miracles at the tomb of St Dimitrii, f.190v and following 48 smaller illustrations of the various miracles by St Dimitrii.
We have been unable to identify this manuscript among those listed by Barsukov in his Russian hagiography published in 1882, citing various manuscript collections; for further discussion on this hagiography see Dictionary of the Bibliophiles and Bibliography of Ancient Russia, Part III (XVII Century), vol 1 (St Petersburg 1992) pp. 338-342.
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