Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1465-1475
MS M.1055 fol. 13r

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Evangelists, all nimbed, each in separate compartment:
1) Matthew is seated on bench at desk, right hand resting on book; Evangelist symbol, angel, is on opposite side of the desk;
2) Mark, wearing hat, is seated on bench at desk, resting left hand on open book, raising pen (?) with right hand; Evangelist symbol, lion, sits behind the bench;
3) Luke, wearing hat, is seated on bench at desk, resting left hand, and writing with right hand in open book; Evangelist symbol, ox, sits behind him;
4) John is seated on island, writing with right hand on scroll, inscribed S. IOHANNEM, held in his lap by his left hand; Evangelist symbol, eagle, stands next to him; city is in background across water.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including strawberry, and inhabited by fool, tongue emerging from mouth, grasping dragonfly with right hand, and holding pedum under left arm.