Trebizond Gospels, The Annunciation, Walters Manuscript W.531, fol. 102v

Just as in the image of the Baptism (fol. 59v), the Holy Spirit is shown here as a dove flying from above toward the Virgin (this detail of the miniature is very abraded, but it can be vaguely seen between the letters of the labeling inscription). Mary is in the process of spinning purple thread for the curtain of the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem (Protoevangelium of James 10:2-11:1). This Gospel Book was probably made in Constantinople in the mid-twelfth century and is remarkable for the fine execution and monumental quality of its full page miniatures. The opening for the Gospel of Matthew is missing, but the other three Gospels are prefaced with a pair of miniatures each: the respective Evangelist on the left, and a scene from the Gospel story on the right. The combination of St. John with the Raising of Lazarus is only found in this manuscript. The text was copied by two scribes whose writing is distinctly different. One of them must have painted the ornament on fol. 175r, which contains curious animal figures. To explore fully digitized manuscripts with a virtual page-turning application, please visit Walters Ex Libris.