 A larger image of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, from the Rylands Beatus. Commentary on the Apocalypse by Beatus of Liébana, copy of c.1175. Latin Ms 8. |
The Lamb is in the circle at the top; the four evangelists: upper left, Mark (lion); upper right, Matthew (man); lower right, John (eagle); lower left, Luke (ox).
And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals. And I heard one of the four living creatures saying, "Draw near and see." And I saw a white horse, and the rider was holding a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering. And when he opened the second seal, the second living creature spoke. And a red horse went forth, and it was granted to its rider that he would take peace from the earth, and that they would kill one another. And a great sword was given to him. And when he opened the third seal, the third living creature spoke. And he saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a balance in his hand. And when he opened the fourth seal, the fourth living creature spoke. And I saw a pale horse, and the rider's name was Death, and Hell was following him. And authority was given to him over the four parts of the earth, to destroy by the sword, by famine, and by death. (Rev. 6:1-8)
Folio 103v: Three-quarter page. four trees: grounds blue, red, yellow, green. Top row: centre, a lamb with cross in medallion, on left and right the first and second beasts hold the hand of John kneeling; second row: first and second riders with bow and sword; third row: third and fourth beasts hold the hand of John; bottom row: third rider with scales, fourth rider followed by a shaggy winged figure with arms outstretched and clawed hands and feet.
Physical Location: The John Rylands Library
Classmark: Latin MS 8
Subject(s): Bible. Revelation; Bible--commentaries
Origin Place: Spain
Date of Creation: end of 12th or start of 13th century
Former Owner(s): Bachelin-Deflorenne, Antoine, b. 1835; Quaritch, Bernard, 1819-1899
Extent: ff. 254 (iii+249+ii) Leaf height: 454 mm, width: 326 mm.
University of Manchester Library, Latin MS 8