We continue to acquaint you with the Preserve’s collections. Today we present to your attention – the Altar Gospel in a valuable cover, which in 1658 was donated to the sacristy of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra by the efforts of the Lavra brethren and with the blessing of Archimandrite Innocent Gisel, as evidenced by the engraved inscription on the internal edge of the back cover.

The book, published in a Moscow printing house in 1644, is decorated with coloured engravings depicting evangelists, as well as illuminations, initials and frames with graphic ornamental elements in the margins.

The cover of the Gospel is one of the few preserved authentic covers made by Ukrainian craftsmen in the middle of the 17th century. The silver gilded overlays are fixed on the green velvet cover. They feature the relief figure of the Almighty on the throne with the Virgin and St. John standing on both sides. The cover is inlaid with gold beads, turquoise and rubies.

A large embossed medallion in the shape of a cross featuring the Virgin of Pechersk decorates the back cover. At the corners there are openwork “beetles” that served as legs on which a heavy book rested. The bindind edge is decorated with six openwork renaissance rosettes.

The decoration of the book is an example of a Jeweller's art work and impresses with its majesty.

In 2015, a comprehensive restoration of the book was completed. A group of fine art restorers of metal, fabric, paper and bindings of the Preserve Restoration Department have been involved in this work.

Inventory Nr. КПЛ-КН-2178

Let’s discover the beauties of the Preserve’s collection together!

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