Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 13r

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Evangelist John, nimbed, holding pen in raised right hand and holding with left hand, knife and scroll with pseudo-inscription on lectern, is seated on canopied throne with two statues on pediments above. At right is Evangelist symbol (eagle), nimbed. Figures in canopied architectural frame, windowed, and decorated with four statues.
Lower margin within circle of foliage in narrative sequence:
1) Possibly Andronicus, crowned, right hand raised, and Drusiana, wearing headdress.
2) Drusiana, wearing headdress and Evangelist John, nimbed.
3) Evangelist, John: Scene, Arrival at Patmos -- Man, wearing hat, left hand raised, standing on shore and Evangelist John, nimbed, in boat afloat between shore and island. Two other boats in water.
4) Andronicus (?), crowned, lying on bed.
Miniature, vignette:
Ten soldiers, wearing helmets and armor, some holding spears, some holding shields.
Right margin within circle of foliage in narrative sequence (bottom to top):
1) Drusiana (?), nimbed, lying on bed or bier with four mourners.
2) Evangelist, John: Scene, Devil stealing Inkpot-- Evangelist John, nimbed, seated on island writing on scroll on lap, next to devil. Two ships in water.
3)Evangelist, John: Miracle of raising Drusiana -- Drusiana, wearing headdress, seated on bed, holding hand of Evangelist John, nimbed. Four figures around bed.
4) Evangelist, John: Death -- Evangelist John, nimbed, lying on bed surrounded by seven figures, one crouching at head of bed.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, inhabited by man, wearing headgear, and partridge (Evangelist, John: Parable, Bow and Partridge ?).