Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gospel Book
Switzerland, Saint Gall, between 880 and 899
MS M.1 exterior, back

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Book cover with figure of cross.
ENAMEL:
At center of cross, inscription IHS XPS DNS NOS; on arms of cross, half-figures of Christ, each with cross as nimbus. On arms of the cross and borders, ornament with fantastic animals and interlace.
METAL:
In quadrant fields of the cross, interlace ornament enclosing fantastic animals.
Plaques at corners, depicting Evangelists, winged and writing, with symbols (added in 16th century).