Codex Purpureus Rossanensis

Codex purpureus Rossanensis

Roma: Salerno editrice; Graz: Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt, 1985

xBS2551 C62 1985

Facsimile

Produced in the sixth century, possibly in Antioch, this copy of the Gospel contains fifteen miniatures and is one of the oldest surviving illuminated manuscripts of the Gospels. Nearly half of the original manuscript has been lost. What remains are one hundred and eighty-eight folios of thin, purple-dyed parchment – three hundred and eighty-six leaves containing the complete Gospel of St. Matthew and a nearly complete Gospel of St. Mark. The Greek text is written in gold and silver. Of the purple codices produced in the late classical period, only a few had been illustrated. Some of the miniatures here (scenes from the Gospel) cover an entire leaf, others are placed above or within the text. The frieze-like scenes indicate that the illuminations probably derive from earlier mosaics and wall paintings. The illuminations are some of the finest examples of early Byzantine book art preserved today – indicating the beginnings of the abandonment of classical style and a move toward a more abstract early Byzantine art. The portrait of St. Mark is the oldest known pictorial representation of an apostle in book illumination. The single sheets are cut and stitched, then bound in solid wooden boards and a half leather cover, a faithful replica of a contemporary binding. Edition of seven hundred and fifty copies, of which one hundred lettered copies are hors de commerce. University of Utah copy is no. 82.