Momik was an Armenian architect, sculptor and a master artist of Armenian illuminated manuscripts. As a sculptor, Momik is also known for his fine carving of khachkars, found primarily at the monastery complex at Noravank. He held an eminent position at the Gladzor School of Illuminated Manuscripts in Syunik, established at Vayots Dzor under the patronage of the Orbelian family's historian, Stepanos Orbelian. Of the manuscripts authored by Momik, only several survive: one is found at the repository of the Mekhitarist Order in Vienna and three others are found at the Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan, Armenia.
Momik
Khatchk’ar cross carved in 1308 by Momik, considered as a high point of openwork sculpture techniques.
Armenian illuminated manuscripts
Armenian illuminated manuscripts, form an Armenian tradition of formally prepared documents where the text is often supplemented with flourishes such as borders and miniature illustrations. They are related to other forms of Medieval Armenian art, Persian miniatures, and to Byzantine illuminated manuscripts. The earliest surviving examples date back to the Golden Age of Armenian art and literature in the 5th century. Armenian illuminated manuscripts embody Armenian culture; they illustrate its spiritual and cultural values.
Example of an Armenian illuminated manuscript. A explanation of the Canon Tables with a portrait of its author, Eusebius. Made in Isfahan, Persia.
One of the four oldest pages of Armenian miniatures. Echmiadzin gospels, 500s-600s AD. Miniatures of the Bible (in biblically chronological order); annunciation of Zechariah, annunciation of Mary, adoration of the magi and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
Example of an Armenian illuminated manuscript from the Gladzor University, 13-14th century.
Page from the Homiliary of Mush, Matenadaran, 1200-1202
