Evangelist Saint Mark writing the Gospel with his symbol, the Lion, holding a scroll
This ivory likely decorated the cover of a Gospel book. The abbreviated Latin inscription refers to the opening lines of Mark’s Gospel: “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” The miniature church resembles surviving monuments in Cologne, one of the most important Ottonian artistic centers. A former owner’s stamp is to the right of the desk at which Mark sits.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.