Washington Manuscript V - The Minor Prophets (Codex Washingtonensis)

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    mid-3rd century
  • Geography

    Egypt
  • Material

    Ink on papyrus
  • Dimension

    H x W: 29.5 x 14 cm (11 5/8 x 5 1/2 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1916.768
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1916.768

Object Details

  • Label

    This early papyrus codex is a complete Christian copy of the Greek text of the twelve Minor Prophets. A succession of people added Coptic glosses (clarifications or translations), perhaps adapting the codex to spread Christianity to people living outside the Hellenized cultural centers around the Nile. It was acquired in Egypt by American missionary David Askren, whose finds were purchased in 1916 by Charles Lang Freer in partnership with banker and financier J. P. Morgan, Jr.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    In the Beginning: Bibles Before the Year 1000 (October 21, 2006 to January 7, 2007)
    Christian Art (December 1, 1971 to April 7, 1978)
    Christian Art (January 1, 1963 to May 15, 1968)
    Untitled Exhibition, Armenian and Byzantine Art (July 28, 1958 to January 1, 1963)
    Centennial Exhibition, Gallery 6 Alcove (February 25, 1956 to July 22, 1958)
    Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Near Eastern Art, East Corridor (October 26 to November 10, 1955)
    Special Exhibition, Armenian Manuscripts and East Christian Art (February 15, 1955 to April 13, 1955)
    Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Near Eastern Art, 1947 (June 18, 1947 to October 26, 1955)
    Untitled Exhibition, Armenian Manuscripts, Gallery 6, 1947 (April 23 to October 3, 1947)
  • Origin

    Egypt
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Charles Lang Freer
  • Type

    Manuscript
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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