Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1460
MS M.282 fol. 19v

See more information »

Evangelist Mark, nimbed, holding pen in right hand, sits on chair before brocade cloth of honor. Before him is writing desk, anchored to the back and arms of the chair, and upon which is scroll inscribed IN ILLO TEMPORE RECUMBENTIBUS UNDECIM DISCIPULIS APPARUIT ILLIS IHESUS ET EXPROBAUIT INCREDULITATEM, and round hanging object, possibly pounce or pumice. Beside Mark is lectern, with hexagonal top. with three books, stylus case, and small hanging lantern. To Mark's right sits lion (Evangelist symbol), with front paws on book with two clasps. Scene in room with tile floor and spiral staircase visible through doorway at right.
Margins with floreate and scroll ornament, inhabited by fantastic beaked figure, with sword in right hand transfixing neck of dragon whose snout he holds with left hand, in left margin; and in lower margin, man, wearing hat, holding broom in right hand, with shield on left arm and holding reins in left, with sword at waist, standing astride bridled fantastic snail.