Category:MS. LUDWIG II 5 (Getty museum) - Byzantine Gospels

Unknown Byzantine, Nicaea or Nicomedia, early 1200s and late 1200s Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment bound between wood boards covered with light brown velvet Leaf: 8 1/8 x 5 7/8 in. MS. LUDWIG II 5 http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=1571

This Tetraevangelion, the Greek term for a Gospel book, was made in Byzantium around the time the Crusaders invaded Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1204. The manuscript is luxuriously adorned with nineteen full-page miniatures, including author portraits and narrative scenes; decorated canon tables; ornamental headpieces; and many decorated initials.

The illuminators of this manuscript probably prepared the pages for the miniatures by coating the parchment with egg white. This originally gave the page an admired slick and glossy appearance, but it also led to extensive paint flaking. The flaking was so severe that thirteen of the miniatures were replaced by new pictures in the late 1200s. These later miniatures were painted in the Palaeologan style of Byzantine illumination, noted for its intense emotionalism and drama.