Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Brittany, ca. 1425
MS M.865 fol. 13r

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Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- Evangelist John, nimbed, is seated writing with quill held in right hand on furling scroll on his right knee. At left, winged devil, wearing loincloth (?), holding stylus case (?) and inkpot with claw-like left hand, spills ink (Evangelist, John: Scene, Devil stealing Inkpot). They are on island with rocky outcrops and trees. Geese or swans are on island and in water surrounding it. In background are three ships, island with docks (?), and at right, city or castle. Rays descend from center of miniature arch.
Miniature and text framed on three sides by rectilinear bars of gold decorated with vine scroll. Margins decorated with border of vine scroll.