Life of the Saints or Synaxary (Յայսմաւուրք), 1706 - Lot 217

Life of the Saints or Synaxary (Յայսմաւուրք), 1706 Constantinople, printed and illustrated by Gregory of Merzifon (Գրիգոր Մարզուանեցի, Grigor Marzvanetsi), 1706. In-folio (41 cm), 937 pages (some pages missing). This copy includes six splendid full-page woodcuts (illustrated title page, the Martyrdom of Saint Gregory the Illuminator [2 times], the Conversion of King Tiridate, Saint Gregory the Illuminator on the holy seat crushing the serpent, the Nativity with the Adoration of the Magi, the Crucifixion), twenty-two small engravings, as well as marginal ornaments. The engraving of the Conversion and other pages of ornaments are skilfully enhanced with color (old work). Complete with the last page numbered 937 (թճլէ), which is missing from the copy in the National Library of Armenia. Gregory of Merzifon was able to break away from Western iconography and create his own style. The Cruxificion, for example, is in a style very different from that of European engravings: the legend engraved in the plate shows the baptism of two children receiving jets of blood from the chest of Jesus Christ, following the poetic evocation of Gregory the Theologian (Գրիգոր Աստվածաբան). Note that this engraving is signed in Armenian Krikor fils de Meguerditch. A very rare and fine copy, despite some worn pages. Paper professionally restored. Beautiful modern binding.