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An Angel Standing in the Sun and Birds Invited to the Repast

Unknownabout 1255–1260

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

In this section of the Apocalypse, Saint John describes an angel standing in the sun calling to all the birds of heaven. On the right the angel floats with the sun beneath its feet, calling to the birds to come feed on the mighty and the meek of the earth. A great pile of bodies appears at the bottom of the miniature, with birds diving down in attack or standing on top of them to pick at their flesh. The artist incorporated one chilling detail not mentioned in the text: the voracious birds have plucked out the eyes of each and every body.

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  • Title: An Angel Standing in the Sun and Birds Invited to the Repast
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: about 1255–1260
  • Location Created: London (probably), England
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 31.9 × 22.5 cm (12 9/16 × 8 7/8 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold leaf, colored washes, pen and ink on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 83.MC.72.40v
  • Culture: English
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. Ludwig III 1, fol. 40v
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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