Miroslav's
Gospel is the oldest Serbian medieval book that still
can be seen in the National Museum in Belgrade. It was
copied for Stefan Nemanja's brother Miroslav
(1171-1197) by Gligory the Pupil who copied the
Gospel. This text is unique because it unites the
Eastern style of writing with the Western way of
ornamenting where the artist used red, green, yellow,
brown and golden colors.
Various
ornaments and initials from this manuscript are also
used within this web site in order to convey the
message and the art of the medieval times.
Detail from the
manuscript
This
precious document had an exciting history - king Peter
I carried it with him during crossing of Albania in
World War I, and once it was even thought that it has
been lost.
The
most interesting thing is that he inserted some
personal views at the end where we can see that he was
in some kind of trouble and that his master, Duke
Miroslav did not like him very much - that personal
entry can be read right here:
I,
sinful pupil Gligory, unworthy to call myself a pupil,
have ornamented with gold this Gospel to the glorious
prince Miroslav, Zavida's son. My lord, do not forget
me, do not forget about my sinful soul, but keep me to
your side so I do not regret my lord, that I had
worked for you if your will is to reject me.
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