Manuscript Illumination with Tobit, Tobias, and the Archangel Raphael in an Initial O, from an Antiphonary

Unknown

mid-14th century · Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment · Medieval Art

The Book of Tobit, found in medieval Bibles and in Roman Catholic and Orthodox Bibles today, stresses obedience to God's law; respect for parents; the importance of prayer, fasting, and charity; and the protective power of angels. Here, Tobit, a righteous Israelite, bedridden and blind, gives advice to his young son, as articulated in the chant that this scene heralds: "Bless God at all times. And petition him that he direct your ways." Neither father nor son realizes that the boy's companion and guardian is the archangel Raphael.

Artist: Unknown
Date: mid-14th century
Medium: Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
Culture: Italian
Department: Medieval Art
Credit line: Bequest of Gwynne M. Andrews, 1930

Visually similar works

The AnnunciationUnknown
Annunciation in an Initial MMaestro Daddesco
The PentecostUnknown
The EntombmentMaster of Forlì
The AscensionUnknown
Presentation in the TempleUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with the Last Judgment, from a Book of HoursUnknown
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints Peter, Bartholomew, Catherine of Alexandria, and Paul, and (below) the Nativity; left wing (top to bottom): Annunciatory Angel, Crucified Christ with the Virgin, Saints Mary Magdalen and John, and Christ as the Man of Sorrows; right wing (top to bottom): Virgin Annunciate, Saints Onophrius and Paphnutius, and Saint Onophrius Buried by Saint Paphnutius.Tommaso del Mazza|Master of Santa Verdiana|Matteo di Pacino
The AnnunciationFederico Barocci
Orphrey Panels from a ChasubleUnknown
Christ Washing the Feet of His Disciples from a set of The PassionAlbrecht Dürer|Unidentified Weaver's Mark|Unidentified Weaver's Mark
Martyrdom of Saint Agatha in an Initial DSano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio)