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Manuscript Illumination with Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist

ca. 1515
Not on view
This sophisticated image from a book of devotional prayers depicts John the Baptist seated in a landscape with his attribute, the lamb, and pointing to an open book. Scenes from the saint’s life surround the central image, beginning counterclockwise at upper left: the Baptism of Jesus, John the Baptist preaching, his imprisonment, the executioner placing his head on a platter, Herod’s feast, and the burning of John’s bones. The painter of this miniature created manuscripts for European royalty, including James IV, king of Scotland, and Queen Isabella of Spain. He may be identified as Gerard Horenbout, who became a master in the painters’ guild of Ghent in 1487.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Manuscript Illumination with Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist
  • Artist: Master of James IV of Scotland (probably Gerard Horenbout) (Netherlandish, active ca. 1485–1530)
  • Date: ca. 1515
  • Geography: Made in Bruges, Netherlands
  • Culture: Netherlandish
  • Medium: Tempera, ink, and shell gold on parchment
  • Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 4 5/8in. (16.5 x 11.7cm)
    Mat: 14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)
  • Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George D. Pratt, 1935
  • Object Number: 48.149.16
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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