Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
England, Oxford, ca. 1220
MS M.791 fol. 343v

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Within initial H:
Evangelist John, nimbed and tonsured (?), writing with quill held in right hand on scroll, held with left hand, across his lap, against background of gold within initial decorated with foliate and geometric ornament.
Beginning of John, Priscillian Prologue.
Within initial I:
1) Evangelist symbol, eagle, nimbed, holding scroll with claw.
2) Evangelist John, nimbed and tonsured, is seated on cushioned bench, holding knife in left hand and pen in right hand, writing in book on lectern.
3) Animal, possibly dog, biting leg.
4) Evangelist, John: boiled in Oil -- Evangelist John, nimbed and tonsured, hands raised, nude (?) stands in cauldron flanked by two men gesturing.
5) Camel.
6) Christ: Miracle of raising Lazarus -- Man, possibly apostle, stands behind Christ, cross-nimbed, holding roll in left hand (?) and extending right hand toward Lazaraus, recumbent, wrapped in shroud and bound with rope held by tonsured man before two other men, one wearing hooded garment.
Scenes and figures against background of gold within medallions and lozenges formed by vine decorated with interlace and foliate ornament.
Beginning of Gospel of John.