Recently I was in Paris, and had the opportunity to visit the Musee de
Cluny. While I was there, I saw a large painting on wood done by the
Master of Riofrio. I don't recall much of the rest of the painting,
because I was so excited by one of the depictions on the bottom panel.
The long bottom panel was of the twelve apostles, and one of the apostles
was reading a book held in one hand, holding a sword on the other that
rested on his shoulder, and was wearing glasses. He wore a reddish-brown
overrobe, with black sleeves and white cuffs underneath. He was close to
the end on the right hand side.
I have been unable to discover which apostle this is supposed to be. I
love the picture: to me it says 'bother me while I'm reading, and I'll hit
you with this very big sword' (which I am sure was not the Master's
intention). I also saw a similar depiction of this apostle in this mode
while I was in Europe, but can't recall if it was at the Louvre, or in
Barcelona. I have found some tantalizing references about the symbolic
use of glasses in later medieval art, but would appreciate the help of this
list.
Thank you very much,
Kristen Pederson
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