Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1470
MS M.28 fol. 13r

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Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- Eagle, nimbed, holding inkpot and stylus case in beak, stands beside Evangelist John, nimbed, seated, writing with pen held in right hand on scroll with pseudo-inscription, both on island. In background is landscape with sea, ships, swan, cities, and mountains, with sun emanating rays above.
Amid foliate ornament in margins are birds; nude angel, kneeling on one knee, playing pipe; nude woman, kneeling on one knee in fishing net, playing harp; monkey, squatting down, holding his buttocks with his hands and defecating; and two standing monkeys, holding ropes of net in which is third monkey, bending over, with right hand on rope and left hand behind left leg.