St. John and Seven-headed Dragon. The evangelist John appears on Patmos with his writing implements and eagle, as usual. What differs in this illumination is the presence of the seven-headed dragon, a memorable figure vividly described in the…
David Gazing at Bathsheba. David observing the bathing Bathsheba was a popular image. This scene is the precursor for later scenes of David as penitent.
Prime: Nativity. In this depiction of the Nativity, we see Mary and Joseph beholding the infant Christ, upon whom shines the star of Bethlehem; a donkey and a bull participate in the adoration. Shepherds, identified by their characteristic bagpipe…
O Intemerata. The deposition of Christ from the Cross, with Mary, Mary Magdalene, and John the Disciple. Mary affectionately holds Christ, who displays the evidence of his suffering—the wounds from the crown of thorns, the piercing, and the nails.…
Margaret and Apollonia. For instance, St. Margaret, who is depicted with a dragon. When in prison for professing her faith, a dragon devoured her; but at the sign of the cross the dragon split open. From these circumstances, St. Margaret was sought…