Commentary on the Apocalypse and commentary on the Book of Daniel
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1910
Apocalypse: Lamb, Adoration (Revelation 5:8-14) -- Christ cross-nimbed, holding book, seated in starred mandorla above Lamb of God nimbed, holding cross-staff, in medallion surrounded by nimbed and four winged Beasts with human bodies on wheels with rayed faces, the angel holding book, and by six of Twenty-four Elders nimbed, some holding flasks, some holding viols, with inscriptions: FIALAS, TENENS CITHARAM, TENENTES CITHARAM, all in starred medallion with starred border, supported by four nimbed angels; below to right, John nimbed, kneeling, addressed by nimbed angel.
And in the middle of the throne, and all around the throne, there were four living creatures. The first resembled a lion, the second an ox, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth resembled a flying eagle. And while those living creatures were giving glory and honor and blessings to the One sitting upon the throne, the twenty-four elders fell prostrate and adored him. And in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne, I saw a book, written inside and out, sealed with seven seals. And in the midst a Lamb was standing, as if it were slain. And when the lamb received and opened the book the four living creatures and elders fell down before the Lamb, each having stringed instruments, as well as golden bowls full of fragrances, which are the prayers of the saints. And they were singing a new canticle, saying: "O Lord, you are worthy to receive the book and to open its seals, because you were slain and have redeemed us for God, by your blood." (Rev. 4:6–5:14)
The insertion of Christ with the book above the Lamb has resulted in the loss of the axial symmetry seen in the Morgan's tenth-century Beatus (exhibited nearby); the calf had to be moved to the right. At the end of the second century the four living creatures were connected with the evangelists, becoming their symbols (the man represents Matthew; the lion, Mark; the calf, Luke; the eagle, John). The creatures and fiery disks under them derive from Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim. The vision is enclosed by a starry border supported by four angels; at the lower right John converses with an angel.