Mark the Evangelist with Winged Lion

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation

Detail.  Additional images below

Saint Mark the Evangelist from a 15th century (c.1480) Book of Hours (Rouen). The scene depicts Saint Mark holding a scroll. Facing the Evangelist is a winged lion, the symbol of Saint Mark. Surrounding the scene is a full border decorated with acanthus leaves and flowers. A peacock and a mythical creature playing the lute further enhance the border. The leaf is rich in blues, reds, greens, yellows, and of course gold. Beneath the miniature are 4 lines of text opening with a grand initial “R” “recumbentibus“ (reclining) in red on a blue background with gold decoration. Verso contains 15 lines of text in Latin and a foliate border of red thistles, yellow fruits and blue & gold acanthus leaves.

Size: 120  x 85  mm (approx. 4.7 x 3.3 inches)

Miniature: 54 x 38 mm

$2900.                                                 #IMC5236

Frame available for this item.

Recumbentibus illis undecim apparuit et exprobravit incredulitatem illorum et duritiam cordis quia his qui viderant eum resurrexisse non crediderant  et dixit eis euntes in mundum universum praedicate evangelium omni creaturae qui crediderit et baptizatus fuerit salvus erit qui vero non crediderit condemnabitur signa autem eos qui crediderint

Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.  And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."  He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.  "These signs will accompany those who have believed… (English translation).
 

In art, Saint Mark the Evangelist's symbol is the lion, usually winged.  In the book of Revelation four creatures (including the lion) representing the four evangelists appear with the throne of God.  In addition to being associated with royalty and courage, the lion is also symbolic of Christ's Resurrection since it was believed that lions slept with their eyes open.  The scroll is a further symbol of Saint Mark. 

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