Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1500
MS M.151 fol. 14r

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Miniature in two registers, each divided into two compartments:
1) Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- John, nimbed, sits and writes with pen held in right hand on scroll held in his lap. Beside him stands eagle (Evangelist Symbol), holding stylus case in its beak. Scene on island, with city across water in background and rays emanating from top of frame.
2) Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, sits on canopied throne and with pen held in right hand writes on scroll with pseudo-inscription on writing desk. Beside him stands angel (Evangelist Symbol). In background is brocade cloth.
3) Evangelist Mark, nimbed, sits on canopied throne at writing desk, with his left hand holding sheet with pseudo-inscription on the desk and turning to look at pen held in right hand. Beside the desk lays lion (Evangelist Symbol). In background is brocade cloth.
4) Evangelist Luke, nimbed, hooded, sits on canopied throne at writing desk and with pen held in right hand writes on sheet with pseudo-inscription on the desk. Beside the throne lays ox (Evangelist Symbol). In background is brocade cloth.