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Evangelist John and Incipit Page
From the Corbie Gospels
Beauvais, France; late 11th century
Bibliothèques d’Amiens Métropole, MS 24 C
Rendered with extraordinary expressivity, the images in this manuscript demonstrate an impressive dynamism of line played against bold elements of color, including silver (now tarnished). The inspired writer sits upon a claw-footed chair, his long legs and body accentuated with bold sweeps of color and line that showcase his lithe torso as he turns his attention to the roll of parchment in his hand. In the opening letters on the facing folio, the artist turns his attention to an elaborate knotted design, leaves, and fantastical animals.