Saint John Dictating to the Venerable Bede c. 1140

This illuminated manuscript illustration, created around 1140 by an anonymous artist, depicts Saint John dictating to the Venerable Bede. The scene is framed by an archway, with the two figures positioned within its confines. The illustration showcases the classic style of medieval art, with simplified forms and bold colors. The artist employs a decorative pattern reminiscent of Celtic art, enhancing the visual richness of the artwork. Saint John, seemingly suspended in the air, gestures towards Bede, who is seated and diligently scribing. This intimate depiction captures the moment of knowledge transfer, highlighting the importance of scripture and its transmission.