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December 2001 Hye Sharzhoom 7 Gladzor Gospels Shed New Light on Armenian Manuscript Painting Barlow Der Mugrdechian Advisor The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor: The Life of Christ Illuminated. Thomas F. Mathews and Alice Taylor (Los Angeles: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2001)51 pp. + 60 color plates. In commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the State Religion of Armenia, the J. Paul Getty Museum of Los Angeles has published a lavishly produced and handsome monograph, The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor, devoted to the study of a single manuscript. The book was published in conjunction with The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor, an exhibition devoted to this rare Gospel book on loan from the Department of Special Collections of the Charles E. Young Research Library at UCLA. Accompanying the exhibition was a series of related public programs including lectures, gallery talks, and concerts. On exhibition September 11 through December 2, 2001, this masterpiece of 14th-century Armethe manuscript, includes dozens of brilliantly colored miniatures illustrating the life of Christ. In four chapters, art historians and authors Thomas F. Mathews and Alice Taylor bring to life the Gospels produced at the Armenian monastery of Gladzor, sometime at the beginning ofthe 14th century. In Chapter One, Making an Illuminated Manuscript, the place of illuminated manuscripts in Armenian culture is discussed. The authors outline how the Armenians developed their own Christian tradition in theology, which was eventually expressed through painting. Through the narrative miniatures, Armenians expressed the important scenes from the Life of Christ. A thorough discussion ofthe making of the manuscripts, along with comments about the artists involved form the core of the first chapter. Chapter Two, Armenian under the Mongols, brings to life the historical context from which the Gladzor Gospels arose. Armenians in the late 13th and early 14th centuries were influenced by not only the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, but by the rule of the Mongols and the Georgians. The arrival of-the Mongols, in the first quarter of the thirteenth century, constituted a new cultural influence on the Armenians. Although the Mongols' early invasions caused much destruction, eventually the Armenians prospered under a relative degree of tolerance. Armenian education and exploration of theological issues continued in the monasteries and production of manuscripts also continued. Chapter Three, The Life of Christ in Miniature, concentrates on an understanding of the Armenian artistic approach to the illumination of manuscripts. The authors of this monograph provide a de tailed analysis of the specifically Armenian approach to this artistic expression. To do this, they had to elucidate not only the existing Armenian tradition of Armenian painting, but also explore the Armenian exegetical sources. This dual line of inquiry leads to several important conclusions about the Gladzor Gospels. The main artist of the Gospel, Toros of Taron, worked along with his abbot, Yesayi Nchetsi, both of them constantly discussing and developing an Armenian approach to both art and theology. One sub-section of this chapter, The Human and the Divine in Christ, explains both the theology of the Armenian Church and also how that theology was expressed in the paintings. Another sub-section, Women in the Life of Christ, describes the importance of women in the Gladzor Gospels-twenty-one of the fifty-six miniatures involve women. Chapter Four, the Conclusion, summarizes the theological discussions that must have accompanied the production of the manuscript. The authors also discuss the models on which many of the Gladzor paintings are based, such as the Vehapar Gospel, which itself was an example of Armenian Gospels representing a tradition before the advent of both the Mongols and Roman Catholic missionaries. The conclusion ofthe Chapter details the fascinating provenance of the Gladzor Gospels as it exchanged hands numerous times. In 1377, the Gladzor Gospels came into the possession of an Armenian princess who treasured it and wrote a prayer in it. Over the course ofthe following centuries, the manuscript traveled across Asia before coming to UCLA in 1968 as a donation from Dr. Caro Minasian, a physician from New Julfa. This extremely readable and beautiful book is a valuable addition to the growing body of scholarly work on Armenian manuscript illumination. Thomas F. Mathews and Alice Taylor have contributed much to the discussion of Armenian manuscripts by their detailed study ofthe Gladzor Gospels. Both scholars and non-scholars will find this monograph to be a much treasured part of their library. News From and About Armenia California-Armenia Trade Agreement Signed Gov. Gray Davis signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the economic, educational and political ties between California and the Republic of Armenia on Thursday, November 22. The fruit of several years of work by Armenian leaders and elected state officials, the Trade and Cultural Exchange Memorandum of Understanding formalizes shared interests to expand business opportunities. The agreement is the first of its kind between an American state and the Republic of Armenia, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union this year. The document signifies an enhanced exchange of information targeting bilateral trade and investment, according to the governor's office. It will also identify key educational opportunities for professors and students to assist both sides in the areas of technology and business administration. "This historic agreement confirms our commitment to foster and promote technology that.will immensely benefit California and Armenia in terms of job creation and shared business expertise," Davis said. "Today's action will provide vital assistance to Armenia as it works to establish an even stronger democracy through the encouragement of trade and investment with California." The governor noted that Armenia has made significant progress in establishing democratic rule and a free market economy. In 2000, California exports to Armenia totaled $11.3 million. Exports in the first half of 2001 reached more than $8 million, an 89 percent increase over the same period last year, according to the governor's office. Principal California exports to Armenia include miscellaneous manufactured commodities, primary metal manufacturing, and apparel and accessories. California is home to more than 500,000 people of Armenian- American and Armenian descent, which represents the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia, according to the governor's office. The memorandum of understanding will go into effect immediately and will last for two years. The momentousness of the signing ceremony at the Glendale Hilton was underscored by the roster of invited guests, which included the governor and state elected offi- cials, and Vartan Oskanian, Armenia's foreign minister, who signed the agreement on behalf of his country. Other Armenian dignitaries will include Arman Kirakossian, Armenian ambassador to the U. S.; Movses Abelian, Armenian ambassador to the United Nations; and Valery Mkrtoumian, consul general of Armenia in Los Angeles. New U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Presented Credentials to President of Armenia Newly appointed US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia John Ordway presented credentials to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. The diplomat said Washington intends to contribute to create a prosperous and safe future for Armenia. The USA is interested in establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus and is ready to contribute to this goal, the ambassador said. In his turn Robert Kocharyan said the Yerevan-Washington relations are of great importance toArmenia. Highly appreciating the USA's aid rendered to Armenia over the last 10 years, he pointed out that new possibilities for cooperation between the two countries are opening at present, with development programs replacing those of the humanitarian aid. Touching upon the bilateral economic cooperation, Robert Kocharyan emphasized the importance of activities of the Armenian-American working group and of the Armenian Diaspora of America. Both sides also touched upon issues concerning the Karabakh conflict settlement and regional security. Polish President Recognizes Armenian Genocide Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, in Armenia on a three-day official visit said on Thursday, November 15, that the 1915 mass killings and deportations of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire constituted a genocide and voiced hope that such tragedies will never happen again. "What happened was a genocide and nobody should dispute that fact," Kwasniewski declared at a meeting with students and the faculty of Yerevan State University. He also drew parallels between the massacre of some 1.5 million Armenians and the extermination of Polish Jews by Nazi Germany during the World War II. The remarks, which are bound to anger Turkey, were made after Kwasniewski's visit to the Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernagapert) in Yerevan. "The genocide of Armenians in 1915 is a fact and what we see here today is the truth," AFP quoted him as saying there. "We Poles know well what it means... Fascist Germany organized the Holocaust on our territory." Turkey is adamant that the mass killings were not a genocide, putting the Armenian death toll at 300,000. Ankara insists that the Armenians were repressed by the Ottoman regime because of their collaboration with advancing Russian troops. The Polish leader arrived in Armenia on Wednesday for a visit which the two countries hope will strengthen their relationship. Kwasniewski and Armenian President Robert Kocharian urged their business communities to boost the currently modest level of bilateral commercial ties as they opened a Polish-Armenian business forum in Yerevan on Thursday. Fresno State's Scholarship Application Form for 2002-2003 On-line now through January 5, 2002. Students can apply for hundreds of institutional scholarships by simply logging on to the web site at http://stiidentaffairs.csufresno.edu/scholarsliips during the application period. Click on "Scholarship Application" and complete each item. Students applying for Armenian Studies scholarships/grants must complete the ASP supplementary form, found on the ASP web site at www.csufresno.edu/ArmenianStudies. Applications will then be reviewed by various selection committees. Students will receive notification of awards for the 2002-2003 academic year beginning in March of next year.
Object Description
Title | 2001_12 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper December 2001 |
Alternative Title | Armenian Action, Vol. 23 No. 2, December 2001; Ethnic Supplement to the Collegian. |
Publisher | Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno. |
Publication Date | 2001 |
Description | Published two to four times a year. The newspaper of the California State University, Fresno Armenian Students Organization and Armenian Studies Program. |
Subject | California State University, Fresno – Periodicals. |
Contributors | Armenian Studies Program; Armenian Students Organization, California State University, Fresno. |
Coverage | 1979-2014 |
Format | Newspaper print |
Language | eng |
Full-Text-Search | Scanned at 200-360 dpi, 18-bit greyscale - 24-bit color, TIFF or PDF. PDFs were converted to TIF using Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro. |
Description
Title | December 2001 Page 7 |
Full-Text-Search | December 2001 Hye Sharzhoom 7 Gladzor Gospels Shed New Light on Armenian Manuscript Painting Barlow Der Mugrdechian Advisor The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor: The Life of Christ Illuminated. Thomas F. Mathews and Alice Taylor (Los Angeles: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2001)51 pp. + 60 color plates. In commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the State Religion of Armenia, the J. Paul Getty Museum of Los Angeles has published a lavishly produced and handsome monograph, The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor, devoted to the study of a single manuscript. The book was published in conjunction with The Armenian Gospels of Gladzor, an exhibition devoted to this rare Gospel book on loan from the Department of Special Collections of the Charles E. Young Research Library at UCLA. Accompanying the exhibition was a series of related public programs including lectures, gallery talks, and concerts. On exhibition September 11 through December 2, 2001, this masterpiece of 14th-century Armethe manuscript, includes dozens of brilliantly colored miniatures illustrating the life of Christ. In four chapters, art historians and authors Thomas F. Mathews and Alice Taylor bring to life the Gospels produced at the Armenian monastery of Gladzor, sometime at the beginning ofthe 14th century. In Chapter One, Making an Illuminated Manuscript, the place of illuminated manuscripts in Armenian culture is discussed. The authors outline how the Armenians developed their own Christian tradition in theology, which was eventually expressed through painting. Through the narrative miniatures, Armenians expressed the important scenes from the Life of Christ. A thorough discussion ofthe making of the manuscripts, along with comments about the artists involved form the core of the first chapter. Chapter Two, Armenian under the Mongols, brings to life the historical context from which the Gladzor Gospels arose. Armenians in the late 13th and early 14th centuries were influenced by not only the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, but by the rule of the Mongols and the Georgians. The arrival of-the Mongols, in the first quarter of the thirteenth century, constituted a new cultural influence on the Armenians. Although the Mongols' early invasions caused much destruction, eventually the Armenians prospered under a relative degree of tolerance. Armenian education and exploration of theological issues continued in the monasteries and production of manuscripts also continued. Chapter Three, The Life of Christ in Miniature, concentrates on an understanding of the Armenian artistic approach to the illumination of manuscripts. The authors of this monograph provide a de tailed analysis of the specifically Armenian approach to this artistic expression. To do this, they had to elucidate not only the existing Armenian tradition of Armenian painting, but also explore the Armenian exegetical sources. This dual line of inquiry leads to several important conclusions about the Gladzor Gospels. The main artist of the Gospel, Toros of Taron, worked along with his abbot, Yesayi Nchetsi, both of them constantly discussing and developing an Armenian approach to both art and theology. One sub-section of this chapter, The Human and the Divine in Christ, explains both the theology of the Armenian Church and also how that theology was expressed in the paintings. Another sub-section, Women in the Life of Christ, describes the importance of women in the Gladzor Gospels-twenty-one of the fifty-six miniatures involve women. Chapter Four, the Conclusion, summarizes the theological discussions that must have accompanied the production of the manuscript. The authors also discuss the models on which many of the Gladzor paintings are based, such as the Vehapar Gospel, which itself was an example of Armenian Gospels representing a tradition before the advent of both the Mongols and Roman Catholic missionaries. The conclusion ofthe Chapter details the fascinating provenance of the Gladzor Gospels as it exchanged hands numerous times. In 1377, the Gladzor Gospels came into the possession of an Armenian princess who treasured it and wrote a prayer in it. Over the course ofthe following centuries, the manuscript traveled across Asia before coming to UCLA in 1968 as a donation from Dr. Caro Minasian, a physician from New Julfa. This extremely readable and beautiful book is a valuable addition to the growing body of scholarly work on Armenian manuscript illumination. Thomas F. Mathews and Alice Taylor have contributed much to the discussion of Armenian manuscripts by their detailed study ofthe Gladzor Gospels. Both scholars and non-scholars will find this monograph to be a much treasured part of their library. News From and About Armenia California-Armenia Trade Agreement Signed Gov. Gray Davis signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the economic, educational and political ties between California and the Republic of Armenia on Thursday, November 22. The fruit of several years of work by Armenian leaders and elected state officials, the Trade and Cultural Exchange Memorandum of Understanding formalizes shared interests to expand business opportunities. The agreement is the first of its kind between an American state and the Republic of Armenia, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union this year. The document signifies an enhanced exchange of information targeting bilateral trade and investment, according to the governor's office. It will also identify key educational opportunities for professors and students to assist both sides in the areas of technology and business administration. "This historic agreement confirms our commitment to foster and promote technology that.will immensely benefit California and Armenia in terms of job creation and shared business expertise," Davis said. "Today's action will provide vital assistance to Armenia as it works to establish an even stronger democracy through the encouragement of trade and investment with California." The governor noted that Armenia has made significant progress in establishing democratic rule and a free market economy. In 2000, California exports to Armenia totaled $11.3 million. Exports in the first half of 2001 reached more than $8 million, an 89 percent increase over the same period last year, according to the governor's office. Principal California exports to Armenia include miscellaneous manufactured commodities, primary metal manufacturing, and apparel and accessories. California is home to more than 500,000 people of Armenian- American and Armenian descent, which represents the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia, according to the governor's office. The memorandum of understanding will go into effect immediately and will last for two years. The momentousness of the signing ceremony at the Glendale Hilton was underscored by the roster of invited guests, which included the governor and state elected offi- cials, and Vartan Oskanian, Armenia's foreign minister, who signed the agreement on behalf of his country. Other Armenian dignitaries will include Arman Kirakossian, Armenian ambassador to the U. S.; Movses Abelian, Armenian ambassador to the United Nations; and Valery Mkrtoumian, consul general of Armenia in Los Angeles. New U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Presented Credentials to President of Armenia Newly appointed US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia John Ordway presented credentials to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. The diplomat said Washington intends to contribute to create a prosperous and safe future for Armenia. The USA is interested in establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus and is ready to contribute to this goal, the ambassador said. In his turn Robert Kocharyan said the Yerevan-Washington relations are of great importance toArmenia. Highly appreciating the USA's aid rendered to Armenia over the last 10 years, he pointed out that new possibilities for cooperation between the two countries are opening at present, with development programs replacing those of the humanitarian aid. Touching upon the bilateral economic cooperation, Robert Kocharyan emphasized the importance of activities of the Armenian-American working group and of the Armenian Diaspora of America. Both sides also touched upon issues concerning the Karabakh conflict settlement and regional security. Polish President Recognizes Armenian Genocide Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, in Armenia on a three-day official visit said on Thursday, November 15, that the 1915 mass killings and deportations of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire constituted a genocide and voiced hope that such tragedies will never happen again. "What happened was a genocide and nobody should dispute that fact," Kwasniewski declared at a meeting with students and the faculty of Yerevan State University. He also drew parallels between the massacre of some 1.5 million Armenians and the extermination of Polish Jews by Nazi Germany during the World War II. The remarks, which are bound to anger Turkey, were made after Kwasniewski's visit to the Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernagapert) in Yerevan. "The genocide of Armenians in 1915 is a fact and what we see here today is the truth," AFP quoted him as saying there. "We Poles know well what it means... Fascist Germany organized the Holocaust on our territory." Turkey is adamant that the mass killings were not a genocide, putting the Armenian death toll at 300,000. Ankara insists that the Armenians were repressed by the Ottoman regime because of their collaboration with advancing Russian troops. The Polish leader arrived in Armenia on Wednesday for a visit which the two countries hope will strengthen their relationship. Kwasniewski and Armenian President Robert Kocharian urged their business communities to boost the currently modest level of bilateral commercial ties as they opened a Polish-Armenian business forum in Yerevan on Thursday. Fresno State's Scholarship Application Form for 2002-2003 On-line now through January 5, 2002. Students can apply for hundreds of institutional scholarships by simply logging on to the web site at http://stiidentaffairs.csufresno.edu/scholarsliips during the application period. Click on "Scholarship Application" and complete each item. Students applying for Armenian Studies scholarships/grants must complete the ASP supplementary form, found on the ASP web site at www.csufresno.edu/ArmenianStudies. Applications will then be reviewed by various selection committees. Students will receive notification of awards for the 2002-2003 academic year beginning in March of next year. |