Manuscript Illumination with Tobit, Tobias, and the Archangel Raphael in an Initial O, from an Antiphonary

mid-14th century

Not on view

The Book of Tobit, found in medieval Bibles and in Roman Catholic and Orthodox Bibles today, stresses obedience to God's law; respect for parents; the importance of prayer, fasting, and charity; and the protective power of angels. Here, Tobit, a righteous Israelite, bedridden and blind, gives advice to his young son, as articulated in the chant that this scene heralds: "Bless God at all times. And petition him that he direct your ways." Neither father nor son realizes that the boy's companion and guardian is the archangel Raphael.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Manuscript Illumination with Tobit, Tobias, and the Archangel Raphael in an Initial O, from an Antiphonary
Date: mid-14th century
Geography: Made in Bologna, Italy
Culture: Italian
Medium: Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
Dimensions: Overall: 7 1/16 x 6 5/16 in. (18 x 16 cm)
Study mat: 11 15/16 x 9 15/16 in. (30.4 x 25.3 cm)
Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
Credit Line: Bequest of Gwynne M. Andrews, 1930
Object Number: 31.134.6
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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