Manuscript Greek 205

Manuscript Greek 205 is a lectionary containing the Gospel readings appointed for each day. A large and imposing volume, it was created in Constantinople in the third quarter of the eleventh century.

Folio 114 recto displays a headpiece enclosing the title, written in letters of gold. The Gospel according to Luke.

The headpiece is filled with ornamental flower petals enclosing peacocks and other birds, rabbits, and small dogs. After almost a thousand years, the colours are still fresh and beautiful.