Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Spain, perhaps Burgos or Segovia, 1465-1480
MS M.854 fol. 22v

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Evangelist John, nimbed, sits and holds pen and knife to pseudo-inscribed sheet on writing desk, upon which are writing implements. Behind him is tent-like canopy inscribed IN PRINCIPIO ERAT UERBUM ET UERBUM ERAT APUD EUM (sic), with ermine-lined curtains lifted open by two wingless angels (?). In foreground standing on tile floor is nimbed eagle (Evangelist Symbol).
Miniature enclosed in frame inscribed SIC EUN UOLO MANERE DO[N]EC UENIAM SIC E (sic).
Amid foliate ornament in margins are seven birds; fantastic animal; and two nude youths, one in left margin and one in lower margin.
Miniature and ornament executed in grisaille and gold tones with color accents.