Gospel Book, Jesus Christ; the Evangelist John, Walters Manuscript W.522, fol. 231r

Gospel Book, Jesus Christ; the Evangelist John, Walters Manuscript W.522, fol. 231r, originally uploaded by Walters Art Museum Illuminated Manuscripts.

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 Gospel here is preceded by an image of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God, thus illustrating John 1:1.