Към характеристиката на софийските обкови на евангелия от XVI-XVII век
About the Characteristics of Sofia Gospels' Book Covers from the 16th-17th century

Summary/Abstract: The article proposes hypothesis about the time of making of the front and back precious metal book covers of the Kremikovtzi Gospel. The two covers are made by different goldsmiths and they are the only ones among the preserved Sofia Gospels' covers from 16th-17th century without precise dating. For the purposes of the study the covers of the Kremikovtzi Gospel have been examined in broader context and their iconographic and stylistic analysis has been made in comparison with the other works forming the group of the Sofia Gospels' covers. The group includes two works by goldsmith Matei - the covers of the Krupnik Gospel from 1577 and the covers of the altar Gospel of Sofia church St. Petka from 1581; and the cover of the Dragalevtzi Gospel made by goldsmith Velo in 1648. The observations made in the article suggest that there are enough reasons to relate the front cover of the Kremikovtzi Gospel to the end of 16th century or to the very beginning of 17th century. On the other hand, the high quality of the work, the elaborate and precise craftsmanship and the graceful lines of the Gospel's back cover suggest earlier dating and it can be related to the last two decades of 16th century.

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