The Orthodox Hymnal (Sharaknotz)

Maker(s)
Artist: Hayrapet
Historical period(s)
1651-1652
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W x D (closed): 12.8 x 9.8 x 7.6 cm (5 1/16 x 3 7/8 x 3 in)
Geography
Armenia
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1937.19
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Manuscript
Type

Manuscript

Keywords
Armenia, Christianity
Provenance

Likely 1651-?
Têr-Markos, possibly of Agoulis, Goļthn, in Ancient Armenia [1]

?-to at least 1937
H. Kevorkian, New York, method of acquisition unknown [2]

From 1937
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from H. Kevorkian, New York [3]

Notes:

[1] See 1937 curator’s remarks in object file, by J.E. Lodge, regarding the person identified as the owner of the manuscript throughout several colophons and miniatures of the hymnal. From Leaf 66, recto: “…take pity on me, thy servant, the owner of this book, Têr-Markos, a monk, and on my good parents” (p.2). In Leaf 282, recto, Markos is identified as “a monk in aspect only, not in practice” (p. 4). Lodge notes that it is possible, but not definite, that Têr-Markos lived in the village of Agoulis in Goļthn, in the Province of Vapourakan (modern Southeastern Turkey).

[2] See April 15, 1937 note in object file, indicating that Kevorkian left this hymnal with the Freer Gallery of Art, along with five other objects, for examination. Hagop Kevorkian (1872-1962) was a dealer and collector of Islamic Art with eponymous galleries in New York and Paris. See also note 3.

[3] The Freer Gallery of Art paid H. Kevorkian in installments, the first on April 23, 1937, and the last on June 2, 1937, and approved on June 1, 1937. See object file for copy of invoice.

Research updated December 8, 2022

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Hagop Kevorkian 1872-1962

Collection Area(s)
Biblical Manuscripts
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use