Toros Roslin

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Toros Roslin (Armenian: Թորոս Ռոսլին) (c.1210 – 1270) or (c.1216 – 1288) was the most prominent Armenian miniaturist in the Middle Ages.

Biographies of Medieval and ancient Armenian artists had a tendency to ignore aspects we today would consider important. This and other issues means that little of his life is currently known for certain. It can be said that he worked in the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, because of his patrons. Also that he had children as an adult son is mentioned. This is seen as indicating he was likely a priest as a monk would have no children while a member of the laity would likely not have done Illuminated Bibles as he did. His works show some Byzantine and even Italian influences so some believe he travelled to foreign lands in his 20s. He did a portrait of Leo III of Armenia when that man was a prince sometime around 1256. He also did work for Prince Vasak. Although he is best known for religious works, particularly concerning New Testament themes like the Crucifixion of Christ or The Nativity of Jesus.