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TEXT FROM THE GOSPEL LESSONS.
(Paris: ca. 1500). 165 x 115 mm. (6 1/2 x 4 1/2"). Single column, 18 lines, in a gothic book hand.
Rubrics in red, two one-line initials and one two-line initial in blue or pink on burnished gold ground, verso with panel border of colorful flowers, acanthus, gilt bezants, and a small bird, recto with A SEVEN-LINE MINIATURE OF ST. MARK, and a three-quarter border of acanthus, flowers, gilt bezants, a bird, and a monkey sampling grapes. Minor soiling to vellum, miniature with light chipping in a couple places, one corner clipped (not touching decoration), but a very well-preserved leaf in excellent condition overall.
This charming little miniature is an intimate portrait of St. Mark writing his Gospel, accompanied, as usua by his attribute, the lion, standing at his side. St. Mark's facial features here are excellent, with molding and shading that produce convincing three dimensionality and emotional resonance. The leaf contains another especially delightful detail: a small monkey perched in the border, eating grapes from a nearby vine. Modern commentators are generally unsure why such whimsical additions appear so inappropriately in Medieval manuscripts which feature sober spiritual content. But we can say with some certainty that monkeys were often used to suggest improper behavior, foolishness, and even the devil. In the present case, the monkey could be seen as Mark's foil: whereas the saint is depicted as a model of industry and conviction, the monkey puts earthly appetite above the sober production exemplified by the Evangelist. (ST20810J)
Price: $1,800.00