The evangelist who made the greatest contribution to the renown of Our Lady is depicted displaying a portrait of the Mother of God. Indeed, since some point after the year 600, this evangelist has been believed to be a painter too. Tradition has it that he even painted a portrait of Our Lady: the moment chosen by Gérard Horenbout for his portrayal of the evangelist in the Hours of Joanna I of Castile (f. 12v).
The bull, the apostle’s emblematic animal, appears on his right.
The Italian style of architectural decoration in the Great Hours of Anne of Brittany stems from the Roman scaena frons, the motive used in portraits of authors to enhance the decorative splendour of the painting and the figure’s importance.
The evangelist who made the greatest contribution to the renown of Our Lady is depicted displaying a portrait of the Mother of God. Indeed, since some point after the year 600, this evangelist has been believed to be a painter too. Tradition has it that he even painted a portrait of Our Lady: the moment chosen by Gérard Horenbout for his portrayal of the evangelist in the Hours of Joanna I of Castile (f. 12v).
The bull, the apostle’s emblematic animal, appears on his right.
The Italian style of architectural decoration in the Great Hours of Anne of Brittany stems from the Roman scaena frons, the motive used in portraits of authors to enhance the decorative splendour of the painting and the figure’s importance.
Cookie preferences
We use cookies and third-party cookies to improve our services by analyzing your browsing habits. For more information you can read our cookie policy. You can accept all cookies by clicking the Accept button or configure or reject their use by clicking HERE.
