Illustrated Manuscripts

Each of the four Gospels, here in Latin, are preceded by a full-page miniature of the appropriate evangelist. As is conventional, the evangelists are represented as contemporary scribes, seated at a lectern surrounded by all the accouterments of the trade--inkpots, quill pens, penknives, etc.

The author of these miniatures, the Hausbuch Master, is known primarily for an album of lively drawings as well as some ninety copper engravings preserved chiefly in Amsterdam. For that reason he has been referred to on occasion as the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet. He was also apparently a panel painter of some distinction. The skillful penwork, tracery, and vine scrolls, as well as the large initials are the work of other artists.

The expressive use of angular drapery and realistic detail are indicative of the German late Gothic style. However, each miniature bears the marks of the Hausbuch Master's hand. The terrace space for each figure, the emphasis on realistically rendered details such as the furniture construction and the tools of the scribe, and the facial types, with their heavily lidded downcast eyes, are all elements characteristic of the Hausbuch Master's style. He was occasionally noted for his humor. In the portrait of the Evangelist John, shown here, the saint is depicted erasing an error in his text with a pen knife held in his left hand. He holds a quill pen in the right.