Armenia: Art, Religion, and Trade in the Middle Ages

by Helen C. Evans (Editor)

A fascinating exploration of art created by the varied Armenian kingdoms that connected the East and West during the Middle Ages

As the first people to officially convert to Christianity, Armenians commissioned and produced astonishing religious objects. This sumptuous volume depicts and contextualizes the compelling works of art that defined the rich and complicated culture of medieval Armenians, including carvings, liturgical furnishings, beautifully illustrated manuscripts, gilded reliquaries, exquisite textiles, printed books, and more. Situated at the center of trade routes that connected the East and West during the Middle Ages, Armenia became a leading international trade partner for Seljuk, Mongol, Ottoman, and Persian overlords, while also serving as a powerful ally to Byzantium and European Crusader states. Written by a team of international scholars, with contributions from Armenian religious leaders, this book will stand as the definitive text on the art and culture of medieval Armenia.

Genres: History, Art, Medieval History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

Helen C. Evans is the Mary and Michael Jaharis Curator of Byzantine Art Emerita in the Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Reviews

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some historical discussions of Armenia here, but for the most part this "reads" like a high-quality book you'd pick up in a museum gift shop. By no means is that meant as a bad thing; it just means there's no "story" here and instead it's a collection of "artifacts" with detailed descriptions of each one (what it is, what it portrays, how it was made, where it was found, etc.).

There was more stonework / stone sculpture in here, and those weren't the most impressive-looking (unless sculpture is your thing). On the flip side, there was less "art" (particularly illuminated) than I would have liked.

All in all, a good survey albeit with some interesting editorial choices as to what was included and what wasn't.

[Carolyn Ferreira · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting and visually appealing but a lot of the writing was hard to follow due to the constant noting if new historical figures without background. some of the contributors were better than others. would have liked more variety in the art presented as at least 50% were bibles or gospel books.