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Prologue to the Book of Jonah, from the Winchester Bible

ca. 1150–80

Not on view

The intial “S,” rendered as a twisting dragon, shows the artistry of the Master of the Genesis Initial. This initial is the only purely decorative one by this master. A nearby cutout initial must have depicted Jonah being spat up by the whale on the shores of Nineveh. The intertwining forms of serpents, vines, and figures are a form of decoration also found in different media, such as the silver and niello drinking cup displayed nearby.

Prologue to the Book of Jonah, from the Winchester Bible, Tempera and gold leaf on parchment, British — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Prologue to the Book of Jonah, from the Winchester Bible

Date: ca. 1150–80

Geography: Made in Winchester, England

Culture: British

Medium: Tempera and gold leaf on parchment

Dimensions: 22 15/16 × 15 9/16 in. (58.3 × 39.6 cm)
Opening: 22 15/16 × 31 3/16 in. (58.3 × 79.2 cm)

Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations

Credit Line: Lent by the Chapter of Winchester Cathedral

Accession Number: SL.34.2014.2.4

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.