Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1500
MS M.220 fol. 13r

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Miniature with four compartments in two registers:
1) Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- John, nimbed, writing with right hand on scroll with pseudo-inscription held in his lap, sits on ground. Beside him stands eagle (Evangelist Symbol), holding inkpot and stylus case in its beak. Scene in landscape with trees and distant hills beyond sea. Rays emanate from top right.
2) Angel (Evangelist Symbol), holding inkpot in left hand, kneels on one knee before Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, seated on chair with writing desk with scroll with pseudo-inscription. In background are marble-paneled wall and brocade cloth hanging.
3) Evangelist Mark, nimbed, seated on chair at writing desk with sheet with pseudo-inscription, turns to look at pen held in right hand. Beside the desk lays lion. In background are marble-paneled wall and brocade cloth hanging.
4) Evangelist Luke, nimbed, wearing chaperon hat, sits at writing desk and with pen held in right hand writes on sheet with pseudo-inscription. Beside his chair lays ox. In background are marble-paneled wall and brocade cloth hanging.
Margins with floreate and vinescroll ornament, inhabited by fantastic animal with beak, extending tongue.