Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gospel Book
France, Saint-Omer, early 11th century
MS M.333 fol. 28r

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Initial I:
1) Christ: Baptism -- Rays descend from cloudy arc of heaven on Christ, cross-nimbed, standing in River Jordan. John Baptist baptizes Him with right hand. They are flanked by dove of Holy Ghost and Hand of God. Below, wingless, nimbed angel holds garment.
2) Angel, Archangel Michael: transfixing Dragon -- Michael, nimbed, wearing fillet and armed with shield and sword, attacks dragon below.
All within initial I.
Frame: Christ and Apostles -- :
In top border, Christ, pearled, crossed nimbus, holds disk decorated with Lamb of God, flanked by Peter, nimbed, tonsured, holding book in right hand and key in left hand, and Paul, nimbed, with book in draped left hand and right hand extended toward Him. All as half figures.
In left border, three nimbed apostles: one holds book in left hand; second (possibly Philip, Andrew or Matthew) holds book in left hand and cross in right hand; third holds book in right hand and raises left hand.
In right border, three nimbed apostles: one stands with hands outstretched; second holds book with right hand and points with left hand; third holds book with left hand and raises right hand.
In bottom border, half-figures of three nimbed apostles: one (James Minor ?) holds fuller's club (?) in right hand and book in left hand; second (Philip, Andrew or Matthew ?) holds cross in right hand and book in left hand; third holds book in right hand and raises left hand.