Silver Combined Weddes Evangel XVI–XVII centuries. From the State Russian Museum. Research and Attribution

Abstract

The article reflects the research work of the silver oklad, laid on the Gospel book from the Russian Museum’s collection, with the iconographic depiction of the Crucifixion on the top. Originally, the Gospel cover came from the collection of M. P. Botkin and was made in a variety of techniques. It has a rarely encountered feature: the icon of “Crucifixion” is set in the recess, called “covchèg” (or “ark”) located on the top of a book cover. Similar oklads on the Gospel books with the iconographic images were often made by Pskov master jewelers at the end of the XIV–XVI centuries. This oklad consists of different silver parts of different time periods, which testify to its repeated alterations and “improvements.” The central part of the upper board is decorated with gilded silver plates, containing inscriptions, floral ornaments and seven patterned halos. They are made in the middle of 16th century by unknown Pskov jeweler in the technique of carving and decorated with a black enamel. The silver cast parts and pieces of two fasteners with a leather straps are made at the same time period. All these gracefully and finely made details are very similar in style and techniques to the works of the Pskov silversmiths active in the mid–16th century. The silver plaques with images and symbols of the evangelists and Saints engraved on them were made around the same time, but multiple additions and replacements, which were made at different periods appeared during its alterations. Broken or lost pieces were made anew, and they have replaced original, but worn out parts. The openwork silver plates and enameled filigree floral ornaments were made in the second half of the XVII century by the Pskov silversmith in imitation of subtle and exquisite enamel works of the 16th century Pskov masters. The Crucifixion with figures of Saints and flying angels was repainted in the second half of the XVII century. The old book block was replaced with a new one in the beginning of the XVIII century. The velvet, which is covering upper and lower book boards has been changed in the XIX century. Variety of parts were made in different technique styles during XVI – XVII – XVIII – XIX centuries; they show evidence of multiple repairs and, at the same time, show assiduous care for the most ancient pieces of the oklad and the book itself, preserved to our time.