Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1471 and 1485
MS M.815 fol. 14r

See more information »

Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- Evangelist John, nimbed, sits writing with pen held in right hand on open book with pseudo-inscription in his lap. Beside him stands eagle (Evangelist Symbol), holding stylus case in its beak. In background are sea and distant hills.
Margins with floreate ornament and emblems of Henry VII (?), including fire-breathing dragon, ostrich plumes, and portcullis.
Four marginal vignettes (clockwise from top):
1) Evangelist, John: Miracle of raising Drusiana -- Evangelist John, nimbed, stands with right hand indicating Drusiana, partially draped in shroud, seated in coffin with joined hands raised. Group of figures, including veiled women, witness scene.
2) Evangelist, John: Journey to Patmos -- John stands in boat rowed by man.
3) Evangelist, John: boiled in Oil -- John, nude, nimbed, is in barrel with joined hands raised. Four men stand around the barrel.
4) Evangelist, John: drinking Poison -- John, nimbed, stands with right hand indicating goblet held in left hand. Aristodemus, with arms crossed on breast, and other men witness scene.