Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 273v

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God as half-figure, wearing cross-surmounted triple crown tiara, raising right hand in blessing, holding cross-surmounted globe with left hand, emerges from cloud and is surrounded by four Evangelist symbols, nimbed, including eagle, angel, winged ox, and winged lion, all on clouds. All are amid rays. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including daisy, strawberry, viola, and holly, and inhabited by fantastic animal with face on abdomen, aiming crossbow at the eagle (Evangelist symbol) and by hybrid man playing portative organ (Scene, Burlesque: playing Musical Instrument). Text is first lesson in first nocturn for Matins in Common of Saints for Evangelists.