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Four Gospels in Arabic

737 AH / 1335 CE

Not on view

A hurried glance at the decoration and script of this manuscript might suggest that it is a Qur’an, but the book in fact contains the four Christian gospels. Created for Arabic-speaking Christians in the Holy Land, it is a copy of what is known as the Arabic Vulgate, a translation drawn from Greek, Syriac, and Coptic versions of the Bible.

Four Gospels in Arabic, Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper; 205 folios — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Four Gospels in Arabic, Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper; 205 folios

Four Gospels in Arabic, Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper; 205 folios

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Four Gospels in Arabic

Date: 737 AH / 1335 CE

Geography: Made in The Holy Land

Medium: Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper; 205 folios

Dimensions: 10 5/8 × 7 7/8 in. (27 × 20 cm)

Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations

Credit Line: British Library, London (Add. MS 11856)

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.