Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, 1525
MS M.61 fol. 15r

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Evangelist, John: Scene, on Patmos -- Evangelist John, seated, holds open, inscribed book on lap and raises right hand to chest. He looks up toward Virgin Mary, appearing on cloud in sky with joined hands. Rays of light emanate from her body. Eagle perches on branch to left of Evangelist John. In background, landscape with buildings of village along shoreline. Figures, including one in boat, inhabit landscape. Road leads up hill past large building, possibly church, toward castle on top of hill. Two figures walk up and horseman rides up hill.
Frame:
Miniature set in elaborate architectural frame inhabited by putti, some holding swags of floral ornament. Two putti at base of frame hold scroll inscribed INITIUM SANCTI EVANGELII SECUNDUM IOHANNEM. Two medallions on columns in lower part of frame inscribed ROSE APRES LIVER.
Illustration for beginning of Gospel Sequence of John.