Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
France, Paris, third quarter of the 13th century
MS M.494 fol. 562v

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Evangelist John, nimbed, is seated on bench at desk holding knife in left hand and writing in book (?) with pen held in right hand. Before him, are scroll inscribed IOHAN(NE)S and half-figure of evangelist symbol, eagle, nimbed, emerging from cloud-edged arc of Heaven. Figure is against background of blue diaper within frame of pink and blue decorated with geometric ornament.
Initial P containing foliate ornament and intertwined fantastic animals.
Beginning of Gospel of John.