description Vienna Genesis Overview
The Vienna Genesis is a fragmentary illuminated Greek manuscript of the Book of Genesis, usually dated to the 6th century. Its surviving folios are written in silver ink on purple-dyed parchment and contain narrative miniatures arranged beneath the text, sometimes combining successive moments within one image. Probably produced in the eastern Mediterranean, it is held by the Austrian National Library and is an important example of Late Antique biblical illustration.
help Vienna Genesis FAQ
Why are the pages of the Vienna Genesis purple?
The manuscript was written on parchment dyed purple, a costly material associated with imperial luxury. Its Greek biblical text was written in silver ink, with some accents and sacred names highlighted in gold.
How do the Vienna Genesis illustrations tell a story?
Its miniatures often use continuous narration, showing the same character more than once within a single scene. The pictures run beneath the text and present episodes such as Rebecca meeting Abraham's servant.
How much of the Vienna Genesis survives?
Only 24 folios survive from what was once a much larger manuscript of Genesis. The surviving leaves contain both Greek text and some of the earliest substantial biblical illustrations preserved in a codex.
Where is the Vienna Genesis kept?
The manuscript is held by the Austrian National Library in Vienna under the shelf mark Codex Vindobonensis Theologicus Graecus 31. It is generally dated to the sixth century.
explore Explore More
Similar to Vienna Genesis
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
