The Four Evangelists, within a Border of Flowers, Birds, and Insects 1572

Giulio Clovio created this miniature of the Four Evangelists sometime before his death in 1578, using tempera and gold on parchment. The setting is Rome, at a time when the Vatican’s power was expressed through elaborate displays of wealth. Each Evangelist is depicted in his traditional setting, writing his gospel. The border of flowers, birds, and insects reflects a renewed interest in the natural world during the Renaissance. The elaborate detail suggests this miniature was likely commissioned by a wealthy patron, perhaps for private devotion. The manuscript illumination was a painstaking, expensive process, effectively restricting access to the biblical text to the elite. Notice the small scenes that decorate the top and sides, they depict scenes from the life of Christ and recall the tradition of the illustrated bible. To fully appreciate this work, we can consult period documents, such as artists’ contracts and inventories, which will help us understand the place of art within the religious and social life of the time. It highlights the importance of social context in understanding the creation and reception of art.