Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1471 and 1485
MS M.815 fol. 17v

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Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, wearing hat, sits on bench before writing desk or lectern with scroll and book with pseudo-inscriptions, and with pen held in right hand writes on open book with pseudo-inscription held in his lap. Nimbed angel (Evangelist Symbol), stands beside desk. Scene in room with marble-panelled walls and leaded glass windows.
Floreate margins with emblems of Henry VII (?), including ostrich plume, greyhound, and dragon. Four vignettes (counterclockwise from top left):
1) Evangelist, Matthew: Hyrtacus denied Iphigenia -- Hyrtacus, crowned, with arms crossed on his breast, stands behind five seated nuns, all looking toward Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, preaching from pulpit.
2) Evangelist, Matthew: Martyrdom -- Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised before draped altar. Behind him stands man, wearing hat, holding rope looped around neck of Matthew.
3) Christ: calling Matthew -- Christ, nimbed (?), stands with right hand raised before Matthew, wearing hat, seated at draped table upon which are coins. Scene in room.
4) Evangelist, Matthew: Taming of Dragons -- Matthew, nimbed, stands with right hand raised to two dragons, sleeping on ground. Behind him stand Zaroës and Arphaxad, wearing hats, one with right hand raised.