Gospel Book, The birth of St. John the Baptist; the Annunciation to Zechariah; the Evangelist Luke, Walters Manuscript W.522, fol. 142r

This Gospel book was likely created in the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, in the eleventh century. The manuscript is remarkable on account of its exceptionally small size, as well as the high quality of its script and miniatures. Its extensive image cycle includes six full-page miniatures, four half-page miniatures, four historiated initials, and marginalia. The scene of John's birth is generally comparable to Christ's Nativity on fol. 12r. Here also the infant is being washed in a font-like tub (notice also the golden pitcher from which water is being poured into it). Two women are bringing gifts to Elizabeth on the occasion of her delivery. To explore fully digitized manuscripts with a virtual page-turning application, please visit Walters Ex Libris.