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This is an image from a large manuscript known as ‘The Stavelot Bible’ after the place where it was written, Stavelot in modern Belgium. It was made by two monks, Goderannus and Ernesto, and it took them four years, finishing in 1097. This picture shows Christ in Majesty, holding a book and a cross, acting as judge and saviour at the Last Judgement. In the roundels at each corner is one of the symbols of the four Evangelists: these four beasts were seen in a vision by Ezekiel, an Old Testament prophet, and then again by St John in the book of Revelation. Matthew was represented by a winged man or angel, symbolising Christ’s incarnation as man and resurrection; Mark by a winged lion symbolising Christ’s kingship; Luke by a winged calf or bull, symbolising Christ’s sacrifice; and John by an eagle, symbolising Christ’s ascension, for the eagle flew straight to the throne of God for inspiration for this Gospel (which is structurally distinct from the others). In this picture Matthew and John carry scrolls, while Mark and Luke carry books.
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