Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 19r

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Evangelist Mark, with decorated nimbus, is seated on canopied throne with bird perched on left arm. He holds knife in right hand and quill in left hand, before lectern on which scroll with pseudo-inscription is draped over top of lectern. Evangelist symbol, with decorated nimbus and winged, is at his feet holding scroll inscribed MARCUS in mouth and with left forepaw. Scene in canopied architectural frame with windows, supported on each side by column on top of which is niche containing statue of man. Third statue under canopy at top of frame.
Lower margin, within circle of foliage:
Evangelist, Mark: baptized by Peter -- Peter, nimbed, right hand extended, raises left hand, holding flask over head of Mark, nimbed, nude, standing in font surrounded by group of people.
Right margin, within circle of foliage, in narrative sequence (bottom to top):
1) Evangelist, Mark: Scene, Sent to Aquileia-- Three (?) men stand on road behind Peter and Mark, both nimbed, both raising left hand. Scene in landscape with buildings and trees.
2) Evangelist, Mark: preaching -- Mark, nimbed, stands in pulpit surrounded by people.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, including strawberry.