Gospel Book with Evangelist Portraits: Decorated Initial
Medium
ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; original blind stamped leather binding
Dimensions
23.7 × 18.4 × 5.4 cm
Classification
Bound Volume
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund
Accession Number
1952.465.134.a
Tags
About this artwork
The four gospels are preceded by a full-page portrait miniature of the appropriate evangelist. Per tradition, they are represented as contemporary scribes surrounded by all the tools of their trade— ink pots, quill pens, and penknives. The anonymous illuminator of these miniatures, called the Hausbuch Master, is known primarily for an album of lively drawings as well as some 90 copper engravings now in Amsterdam. He was also apparently a panel painter of some distinction. The skillful pen work, ...