Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1480
MS M.136 fol. 13r

See more information »

Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- John, nimbed, sits and writes with right hand on open book with pseudo-inscription held in his lap. Beside him stands eagle (Evangelist Symbol), holding stylus case in its beak. Scene on island with trees. In background are ships and distant city.
Margins with foliate and vinescroll ornament, inhabited by hybrid man, with bare chest, aiming bow and arrow; and by fantastic winged animal with long curly tail.