Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1471 and 1485
MS M.815 fol. 19r

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Evangelist Mark, nimbed, sits on chair with lapdesk upon which is scroll with pseudo-inscription. Beside him stands winged lion (Evangelist Symbol). Scene in room with central column, pseudo-inscriptions, and leaded-glass arched windows.
Floreate margins with escutcheon with arms of King of England, hanging in tree, and portcullis amid roses (emblems of Henry VII ?). Four vignettes (clockwise from top right):
1) Evangelist, Mark: in Prison -- Christ, with crossed rays as nimbus, stands gesturing with right hand to Mark, nimbed, behind bars of prison window.
2) Evangelist, Mark: Martyrdom (?) -- Two temple priests, wearing conical hats, stand behind man, pushing Mark, nimbed, through doorway.
3) Evangelist, Mark: Martyrdom -- Mark, nimbed, kneels with joined hands raised before altar with retable with figural decoration. Behind him stand four temple priests, wearing conical hats, including one holding rope that encircles Mark's neck.
4) Evangelist, Mark: Miracle of healing Anianus -- Anianus (the cobbler), wearing hat and apron, with hands clasped, sits on bench with shoe on his lap. Before him kneels Mark, nimbed, extending right hand to pair of shoes on floor. Scene in room with marble-paneled walls.