Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 17r

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Evangelist Luke, nimbed, holding quill in right hand, writing on scroll, with pseudo-inscription, held on lap by left hand, is seated on canopied throne, next to table on which is vase of flowers, inkpot with lid and stylus case. At right is lectern, on which is open book with pseudo-inscription. At Matthew's feet is evangelist symbol, ox, nimbed and winged. Scene in canopied architectural frame, with crosses and banners surmounting pinnacles on roof.
Lower margin, within circle of foliage:
Evangelist, Luke: Scene,as Apothecary -- Evangelist Luke, nimbed, looks toward urinal held in raised right hand. He is flanked by man lying on ground holding right hand to head, and by man, wearing headgear.
Right margin, within circle of foliage:
1) Apostles: going forth to preach (?) -- Bust of Christ, cross-nimbed, appears in arc of Heaven above four Apostles, nimbed, the foremost raising left hand, in landscape with trees and buildings in background.
2) Scene, Liturgical: Baptism -- Surrounded by group of men (?) bishop, wearing miter and vestments, pours from chalice (?) held in raised left hand, over head of nude figure, nimbed, with hands joined, standing in font.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, inhabited by lion.