The Art of Illumination

Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry, 1405–1408/9. Herman, Paul, and Jean de Limbourg (Franco-Netherlandish, active in France by 1399–1416). French; Made in Paris. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum; 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.8 x 16.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1).

Readings from the Gospels
Saint Mark, Folio 24r

Like Luke, Mark writes his Gospel on a large writing board propped on his chair. His halo is depicted as radiating gold rays rather than a disc. His symbol, the winged lion, turns back to look at him.