The best sample of Armenian miniature art that confines the development stages and at the same time develops new branches of miniature is N2743 manuscript of 1232 of Matenadaran which is illustrated by Grigor Tsaghkogh (Gregory Rising) and is known as Translators’ Gospel.
Frontal miniatures in the Gospel are of special interest. According to the accepted rules of illustration the essential of this manuscript is the contrast; contrast of colors and scenes. It is expressed as in linear construction of miniature when diagonals, vertical and horizontal lines are intersected; as well as in the contrast of roundish and tender pleats of dresses of characters and stone cliffs. The contrast between colors is greatly expressed. The majority of colors are dark and soft dyes of sky-blue, auburn, ashy, violet and green which serve as a background for bright pink, blue and especially for red, which though appearing rare, is highlighted in every miniature. The coloring of the gospel creates an impression of tense and even anxiety at the same time stating the tremendous creative force of Grigor Tsaghkogh.
Human characters in the missionary scenes of the manuscript are of special interest. In the overall structure of the scenes the characters surprise by their powerful faces which are peaceful and calm outwardly, but the contrasts specific to the manuscript found their reflection here as well. The big eyes on the whitened faces of the characters are uniquely underlined with black paint which gives great expressiveness to the characters and mystic tone to the miniature. It should be mentioned that the painter was not much interested in altars though he tried to find new ornamental solutions. The symbols of evangelists are portrayed in the first pages under the large capital letters. The ornamented sides of the miniature present wide rings divided into several colorful fields designed by soft and dark decorative patterns.
Translators’ gospel of 1232 illustrated by painter Grigor is one of the latest Armenian manuscripts of 13th century. It was created in such a period of time when the conquerors from Central Asia had already invaded the country. Probably, those events and trepidation are expressed in the pages of this treasure of Matenadaran.