Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Zir Ganela Gospels
Ethiopia, 1400-1401
MS M.828 fol. 15v

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Christ: Ascension -- Busts of nimbed angels above half figure of Christ cross-nimbed with white hair and beard as Ancient of Days, right hand raised, roll in left hand, on throne, surrounded by four Beasts of Apocalypse inscribed "Face of a man; face of an eagle; face of an ox; face of lion" (Ge'ez), each nimbed, holding book;
below, Virgin Mary nimbed, cross on veil, orant, standing on pedestal, flanked by twelve nimbed apostles, six looking up, right hands raised, the other six standing, gesturing;
inscriptions, "How Our Lord ascended into heaven" and "Mary raises her hands; the twelve Apostles, how they watched Him ascend into heaven" (both Ge'ez).