Abstract

The Parma Gospel Book is one of the well_known Tetraevangelia in Byzantine manuscripts, produced in Constantinople in the latter half the 11th century. The main subject of this article is the layout of the Evangelists of "Maiestas Domini" , the frontispiece for the four Gospels. From the above-left, clockwise, Mark, Matthew, John, Luke are situated. Below the framed picture, Peter, Paul, John the Theologian, and the emperor Trajan are flanked by the title of the Hypothesis. Being referred in the texts of the Hypothesis, they are placed under the related Evangelists. The point is that why not Matthew but Mark is situated at the beginning, contrary to the Gospel order. It is concluded that the painter can give Peter the top position by this replacement of Matthew to Mark. The emphasis on Peter is also found in the illustrations of the Life of Christ . The miniatures are placed at the beginning of Mark's Gospel, "dictated by Peter," for the emphasis on Peter