Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1425-1430
MS M.453 fol. 16v

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Evangelist symbol (angel or winged man) extends inkpot held in both hands to Evangelist Matthew, nimbed, seated, extending right hand holding quill, turning away from desk on which is book held open by his left hand. Books rest on other side of desk. All next to windows through which travel gold rays, on raised platform with stairway to tiled floor. Below stairs is tray with ewer.
Margins, within circle of foliage (from top to bottom):
1) Evangelist, Matthew: Scene, exorcising Demon from Fulvanus -- Matthew, nimbed, right hand raised in blessing, extends left hand to Fulvanus, crowned, with joined hands, kneeling. Devil hovers above his head.
2) Evangelist, Matthew: Scene, restoring Sight to Fulvanus, King of Smyrna -- Matthew, nimbed, extends left hand toward Fulvanus, King of Smyrna, crowned, with joined hands, kneeling.
3) Evangelist, Matthew: Martyrdom -- Man, aims spear at back of Matthew, wearing bishop's miter and vestments, with joined hands, standing at draped altar on which are draped chalice and candlestick.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament including columbine, iris, and strawberry, and inhabited by, hybrid man wearing hat and hood, playing horn (possibly cornetto), peacock, and birds.