Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 7r

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1) Evangelist, John: boiled in Oil -- John, nimbed, nude, with joined hands raised, is in barrel atop fire. Of three tormentors, wearing hats, one holds ladle with which he pours oil over John's head; one stokes fire with stick; and one works bellows. Scattered on ground are logs and bundles of wood. Scene takes place in front of gate with open portal and group of male and female spectators, some standing on ground, others seated in gallery beneath canopy.
2) Evangelist, John: Journey to Patmos -- Man, wearing hat, rows boat in which sits John, nimbed, raising right hand in blessing over goblet, from which serpent emerges.
3) Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- Evangelist John, nimbed, sits writing with pen held in right hand on parchment, with pseudo-inscription, in his lap. Beside him stands his symbol (eagle). In background is seven-headed Beast from Sea, wearing crown on each head.
Miniatures within architectural frame with statues of male figures and inscription from John 01:01, IN PRINCIPIO ERAT VERBUM ET VERBUM ERAT APUD DEUM ET.