Research Summary

Armenian manuscripts, housed in the collection of Gulbenkian Museum (Lisbon), were copied and illuminated in the 17th century Armenian communities of Constantinople, New Julfa and Crimea. Thus, the production of some of the last Armenian workshops distinguished by unique features of art and craftsmanship, influenced by traditional Armenian and western or eastern manuscript cultures. This research project will study these manuscripts within an interdisciplinary approach, combining art historical and material analysis. The study aims: a) to understand the continuity of handwritten manuscript tradition in the early modern period, with distinction of innovative and traditional practices; b) to find the inspiration of artistic forms and images; c) to understand how medieval illumination colours were made and what palette defines them; d) to predict original colours and to understand why certain colours have remained in excellent condition, preserving both adherence and luminosity, while others have changed over the centuries; e) to assess deterioration (paints, parchment, writing inks) for contribution to better conservation. For complete characterization of paint and ink formulations the multi-analytical techniques, such as microEDXRF, FORS, FTIR, microRaman and microspectrofluorimetry will be implemented. Relevant art technical sources will be consulted and followed by historically accurate paint and ink reconstructions, in order to create a reference database.

PhD Project Title: Between Tradition and Innovation: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Study of 17th Century Armenian Manuscripts.

Supervisors: Maria João Melo (LAQV-Requimte, DCR FCT NOVA, Portugal), Adelaide Miranda (IEM, FCSH NOVA, Portugal), Karen Matevosyan (Matenadaran, Armenia)