
Commentary on the Apocalypse and commentary on the Book of Daniel
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1910
Apocalypse: Vials given (Revelation 15:7-8) -- Nimbed and winged Beast (eagle) with human body on wheel, descending from open portal in medallion in starred segment of heaven to seven nimbed angels holding vials; starred background inscribed ISTE ANGELUS ANIMALIA [...]T ANGELIS SEPTEM FIALAS and HII SUNT SEPTEM ANGELIS PORTANTES FIALAS AUREAS.
I saw that the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And the seven angels went forth from the temple, holding the seven afflictions, clothed with clean white linen, and girded around the chest with wide golden belts. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls, filled with the wrath of God. And the temple was filled with smoke from the majesty of God and from his power, and no one could enter in until the seven afflictions of the seven angels were completed. (Rev. 15:5–8)
The illuminator chose the eagle—the symbol of John—as the living creature to issue forth from the smoke-filled temple at the top. While the angels are not in white linen, their chests are girded in gold.