Gospel Book (Primary Title)
illuminated manuscript (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
This codex (bound manuscript) includes the Gospel of John, devotional prayers, and six full-page illuminations. The open page to the left depicts the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) with winged creatures symbolizing the four evangelists atthe corners (clockwise from upper left: man or angel, Matthew; lion, Mark; ox or bull, Luke; and eagle, John); to the right is Saint Takla Haymanot. A prostrate worshiper steadies the saint, who reputedly stood so long praying that part of his leg broke off. The saint also grew six wings to fly with the angels.
From the Robert and Nancy Nooter Collection, Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Inscribing Meaning: Writing and Graphic Systems in African Art, National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., May 9, 2007 - August 26, 2007
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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