MINIATURIST, German
(active in 1230s)

St Matthew's Gospel

1235-40
Manuscript, 335 x 250 mm
Städtische Sammlung, Rathaus, Goslar

The title page of the Evangeliary shows the Adoration of the Magi, the Dream of St Joseph and the Evangelist St Matthew. The style is expressive in its abrupt gestures and unexpected contortions of the drapery. The style survived for about eighty years and then was replaced by the more refined Parisian fashion.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 8 minutes):
Johann Sebastian Bach: St. Matthew Passion BWV 244 (excerpts)