The Gospel that is on display in the museum was printed in Moscow in 1657. It has a note stating that the book had been kept in Saratov for a long time and that a precious cover was created for it there. Researchers managed to decipher the hard-to-read cursive script with intricate letters.

For safety, and also out of deep respect for the Word of God, the life and teachings of Christ are put in a revetment — an overhead decoration made with the help of various techniques. Usually the binding is made of metal — gold, silver, brass or copper. Also fabric is often used in the design — red or crimson velvet. In addition, the book can be decorated with enamel, pearls, precious stones, and so on.

The revetment of the gospel from the museum’s collection consists of five figured silver plates laid on the velvet front side of the gospel. There are four corner overlays — with the image of the evangelists, the authors of the Holy Scriptures. The middle one is with Christ Pantocrator Enthroned and the saints in full length: the Mother of God and John the Baptist.

The name of the artisan who made the precious revetment is unknown — there are no maker’s marks on the product. There is also no hallmark with the coat of arms of the city or the date. Although it is known for certain that in Moscow, for example, silver objects were already branded in the 17th century. However, in regional and county workshops, such designations appeared only in the following century. Thus, the absence of hallmarks indirectly confirms that the revetment was created in Saratov.

At the same time, the level of execution indicates that, most likely, this is the work of not a local, but a visiting silversmith, possibly from Moscow, who mastered the techniques of chasing high relief and carving.

The faces of the evangelists look lifelike and have individual features, and their poses are varied and expressive. The images are enriched with details. For example, in the upper left corner, where the Apostle John is depicted with his disciple Prochorus, there are flowers that were popular in the 17th century — tulips. There are also slides that look like Christmas trees, and a sunflower.