Tetraevangelion.
Middle of 16th cent. Novgorod(?)

Q (193 õ 142). 381 leaves.
Paper. Ink, cinnabar, colours, gold.

It is written in a semi-uncial hand.

The illumination of the manuscript includes four portraits of the Evangelists in colours and gold; they are glued on folios 10v, 105v, 170v, 275v. There are head-pieces in the New Byzantine style and initials with motifs of the same style (fols. 12r, 107r, 172r, 277r). Headings of the Gospels are written with use of ligatures.

The donation inscription records that the manuscript was presented to the Assumption Tikhvin Monastery by Feodosy, Hegumen the St Nicholas' Monastery of Vyazhishch near Novgorod. Judging from head-pieces and initials of the codex, allied with Novgorod manuskripts dating from the 40s - 50s, the manuscript is supposed to be of Novgorod origin. Miniatures in the technique of tempera painting were created on single leaves and glued in the book. The analysis of stylistic and iconographic features of miniatures shows that they were produced in the manner, different from head-pieces and initials and, very likely, at a earlier date.

In 1919 the manuscript came into the State Public Library along with the collection of St Sophia's Cathedral in Novgorod.

Shelfmark: ÐÍÁ. Ñîô. 31.