Plaque with Christ in Majesty and the Four Evangelists

Unknown

1000–1100 · Tempera, ink, and metal leaf on parchment; leather, leather binding with ivory · Medieval Art

The evangelists write their Gospels here with the aid of their characteristic symbols. An ox literally open’s Luke’s eyes to receive divine inspiration, while Mark’s lion seems to be speaking to the author. This plaque, which probably was affixed to the cover of an Ottonian Gospel book, now decorates the cover of a late fifteenth-century Gospel lectionary.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1000–1100

Medium

Tempera, ink, and metal leaf on parchment; leather, leather binding with ivory

Culture

Ottonian

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of George Blumenthal, 1941