Commentary on St. Gregory’s Works
A rich manuscript tradition for St. Gregory of Narek’s prized works, his Book of Prayers and Lamentations, gave way to multiple publications; translations of his works and commentaries and scholarly studies about this prolific author abound. In the early days of printing in Constantinople (now Istanbul), Hakob, Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople (1702–1764), published a commentary on both of these classics. The work opens with a headpiece and marginal illustrations executed in Armenian manuscript tradition style. Below the portrait of the saint (on the right) and throughout the highly decorated first page of the commentary, the engraver has positioned scenes from Gregory’s life.
A rich manuscript tradition for St. Gregory of Narek’s prized works, his Book of Prayers and Lamentations, gave way to multiple publications; translations of his works and commentaries and scholarly studies about this prolific author abound. In the early days of printing in Constantinople (now Istanbul), Hakob, Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople (1702–1764), published a commentary on both of these classics. The work opens with a headpiece and marginal illustrations executed in Armenian manuscript tradition style. Below the portrait of the saint (<em>on the right</em>) and throughout the highly decorated first page of the commentary, the engraver has positioned scenes from Gregory’s life.