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Gospel Book with Evangelist Portraits: Decorated Initial
miniatures by Master of the House-Book (German, c. 1470–1500)
c. 1480
- Medium
- ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; original blind stamped leather binding
- Classification
- Bound Volume
- Dimensions
- Codex: 23 x 17 cm (9 1/16 x 6 11/16 in.)
- Culture
- Germany, Middle Rhine
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Medieval Art
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund
- Rights
- Public domain (CC0), as the museum states it.
- Who can see it
- Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed
View at the Cleveland Museum of Art
About this work
The four gospels are preceded by a full-page portrait miniature of the appropriate evangelist. Per tradition, they are represented as contemporary scribes surrounded by all the tools of their trade—ink pots, quill pens, and penknives. The anonymous illuminator of these miniatures, called the Hausbuch Master, is known primarily for an album of lively drawings as well as some 90 copper engravings now in Amsterdam. He was also apparently a panel painter of some distinction. The skillful pen work, tracery, and vine scrolls, as well as the large initials, are the work of other artists. The binding is original.
