Cover of a Gospel Book

The cover is decorated with scenes of the Crucifixion on the front and the Descent into Hell on the back, with the four Evangelists and prophets in the corners. Thirteen medallions with miniatures scenes from the Revelation frame the main scenes. This iconographic type appeared in Transylvania in the end of the 17th century and shows influences by German engravings by major painters from the end of the 15th century onwards. As attested by the dedicatory inscription on it, it was brought by Daniel, Bishop of Sebasteia, to the Cave of the Apocalypse from Bucharest in 1787. Daniel executed the commissions and delivered the donations of prince of Wallachia, Michael Soutsos, whose involvement is indicated by his emblem on the reverse of the Book.