Hymnal, Harrowing of Hell, Walters Manuscript W.547, fol. 282r

This hymnal was completed in Constantinople on August 15, 1678 [AE 1127], by the priest Yakob Pēligratc‘i, having been commissioned by Člav, son of Nawasard, as a dedication to his sons, Astuacatur and Sahak. The structure of the hymns adheres approximately to the standard Armenian hymnal (Շաբակնոց), with minor variations in order and a few substitutions (see Sanjian in the bibliography). The book is illuminated extensively, with 38 full- and half-page polychrome miniatures against gold backgrounds, 8 decorated head-pieces marking the principal divisions of the hymnal, and numerous marginal miniatures marking individual hymns, including biblical figures, saints, bishops, and vignettes. The style of the miniatures is largely in imitation of western European models, though more traditional Armenian and Byzantine influences stand out, such as the vibrant color palette, an iconic frontality for depictions of saints and bishops, and the highly abstracted floral motifs and zoomorphic incipits marking hymn divisions.