Commentary on the Apocalypse and commentary on the Book of Daniel
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1910
Apocalypse: Dragon imprisoned (Revelation 20:1-3) -- Dragon represented as serpent, held by rope about neck by nimbed angel, key in left hand; below, Satan bound by ropes in pit.
Starred and decorated background; inscription along top of miniature, UBI ANGELUS AD PREHENDIT DRACHONEM ET LIGAUIT EUM IN ABISSUM.
I saw an angel, descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key of the abyss and a great chain. And he apprehended the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and he bound him for a thousand years. And he cast him into the abyss, and he closed and sealed it, so that he would no longer seduce the nations, until the thousand years are completed. And after these things, he must be released for a brief time. (Rev. 20:1–3)
For Beatus the angel is a symbol of Christ, who expels Satan from the hearts of believers with his incarnation and crucifixion.