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"Constantine and Helena," from the Miaphysite Lectionary

ca. 1220 or c. 1260

Not on view

This manuscript was commissioned for the Syrian Orthodox monastery of Mar Mattai near Mosul and copied by one of its monks. The image of Emperor Constantine and his mother, Helena, holding the True Cross accompanies readings for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The style of their robes and crowns, similar to those found in Arabic illustrated manuscripts of this period, indicates the shared material culture of Christians and Muslims in the Seljuq successor state of Mosul.

#621. "Constantine and Helena," Folio from the Miaphysite Lectionary

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"Constantine and Helena," from the Miaphysite Lectionary, Ink, colors, and gold on paper — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: "Constantine and Helena," from the Miaphysite Lectionary

Date: ca. 1220 or c. 1260

Geography: Attributed to Jazira, Mosul. Country of Origin Probably Syria

Medium: Ink, colors, and gold on paper

Dimensions: Height: 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
Width: 15 3/8 in. (39 cm)
Other: 4 3/4 in. (12 cm)

Classification: Works on Paper

Credit Line: Vatican City, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vat.sir.559)

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