
Commentary on the Apocalypse and commentary on the Book of Daniel
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1910
Zone 1:
Apocalypse: Christ and Candlesticks (Revelation 1:12-20) -- Seven candlesticks and seven stars (mostly destroyed) flanking Christ beardless, pearled crossed nimbus, sword before mouth, seated on cushioned bench, key in left hand, right hand on head of John, prostrate; to right, nimbed angel. Inscription on background, INTER CANDELABRORUM AUREORUM SIMILEM FILIUM HOMINIS.
Zone 2:
Apocalypse: John to Seven Churches (Revelation 1:4-6?) -- John nimbed, book in left hand, standing before seven buildings, each enclosing altar, and each inscribed with names of seven churches: EFFESUS, ZMIRNE (?), PERGAMO THYATHIRE, SARDIS, FILADELFIE, LAODICIE. Starred and decorated background.
And I turned around to see the voice which was speaking with me, and I saw seven golden candlesticks: in the midst of the candlesticks was one resembling the son of man, clothed to the feet with a vestment, and wrapped to the breast with a wide belt of gold. But his head and hair were bright, like white wool, or like snow; and his eyes were like a flame of fire. And in his right hand he held the seven stars; and from his mouth went out a sharp two-edged sword. I fell at his feet as dead, and he laid his right hand upon me, saying: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and alive, though I was dead. And behold, I live forever and ever, and hold the keys of death and of hell. Therefore, write the things which you have seen, and which are, and which must occur afterward. The seven stars are the angels of the seven Churches, and the seven candlesticks are the seven Churches." (Rev. 1:12–20)
The son of man's tunic is gold at the neck, and the sword in his mouth is silver. Most of the red stars have flaked off. Below, John holds a book or letter, while to the right are the seven churches, each identified with a red inscription (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea).