Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Coptic Illuminated Manuscripts from the 9th to the 16th century AD An Iconographical and Analytical Study

Abstract

Coptic illuminated manuscripts Miniatures Archangel Michael Archangel Gabriel Egypt has always been known for its huge collection of manuscripts since its earliest times and through its different successive historical periods. It is in Egypt that the paper manufacture has begun and the ancient Egyptian alphabet was established. The early Coptic manuscripts used to be kept in the churches, monasteries, and even in the private houses of Coptic noblemen. Religious texts, hymns, and prayers represent the majority of such Coptic texts; these were sometimes appended with characters and portraits, which enforced the meaning and added holiness to the manuscripts. This paper aims to study the miniatures and the accompanied themes in Coptic illuminated manuscripts, in particular those associated with the archangels Michael and Gabriel, who enjoyed a great veneration and holiness in Coptic traditions. This article studies the iconography of such illuminated Coptic manuscripts within and outside Egypt from the 9 th to the 16 th century AD. It gives a description of such illuminated manuscripts before considering the iconography dating, and provenance and origin of the manuscripts. It finally presents an analytical study and draws out the conclusions.