Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Hamilton lectionary
Constantinople, end of 11th century
MS M.639 fol. 1r

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1) Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Three nimbed saints, including David and Solomon, both crowned, all behind Christ, cross-nimbed, stepping on Satan, half nude, lying above gates of Hell, holding cross with double traverse in His left hand and with right hand grasping arm of Adam stepping from sarcophagus, beside Eve, veiled, with draped hands; landscape.
Title inscription.
2) Prochorus of Antioch, name inscribed, nimbed, seated on rock, writing in open book, beside Evangelist John, name inscribed, nimbed, looking up toward Hand of God emerging from arc of heaven; foliage in rocky landscape.
Miniature within frame decorated with foliate and geometric ornament, flanked by two trees.
Illustration for the reading of John 1:1-17 for Easter Sunday.