I Was, I Am, I Am To Come

by Kryn · Published August 26, 2014 · Updated February 15, 2016

I found this picture in a book I have at home called Illuminated Manuscripts by Janice Anderson and I decided to redo it. The picture dates from the year 586 and was produced in the monastery of Zagba in Mesopotamia (present day Iraq). It is now in the Biblioteca Laurenzia in Florence, Italy.

The original would seem to combine events from the ascension of Jesus Christ ,as related in Acts Chapter One, with imagery from John’s vision of heaven described in the book of the Revelation.

I love the color of Jesus’ clothing- the pale blue and light yellow convey victory and rest.

I wanted to draw attention to Jesus being pierced for our iniquities by showing the nail print in his outstretched foot. The only man-made things in heaven are the nail prints in the hands and feet of Christ Jesus.

With one hand Jesus points towards heaven. His other arm is extended outward. I’ve drawn Jesus holding a scroll- the Lamb’s Book of Life, on which are written the names of all those who are going to heaven. I’m not sure that the scroll is in the original. Jesus may simply be holding the edge of his garment away from his body.

The design below Jesus are the four beasts or creatures referred to in Ezekiel Chapter 1 and Revelation Chapter 4. They each have six wings and they are covered in eyes before and behind. One has the face of a man, another like a lion, another like a calf, and the other like an eagle. These symbols have traditionally been associated with the four gospels. The man is the book of Matthew because it portrays Jesus as the long awaited Jewish Messiah. Mark is the lion because it portrays Jesus as the King. Luke is associated with the ox because it portrays Jesus as the suffering servant. John is the eagle because his gospel soars and it takes us to the heights that can only be revealed by John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, who also is the writer of the book of the Revelation.

I’m not sure what is on either side of the wing design but I’ve depicted them as fiery wheels within wheels as described in Ezekiel Chapter 1.

I’m not sure what the angels flying beside Jesus are holding. The prayers of the saints? The blood of the saints? Is that blood on whatever it is the angels are carrying?

The central figure on the ground is Mary, the mother of Jesus, as indicated by the halo around her head.

On the ground are the twelve apostles talking to two angels. Could they be the two archangels Gabriel and Michael or are they the two angels who appeared at the tomb of Jesus?

Is that Peter on the left, dressed in white and talking to the angel? He seems to be holding keys in his hands. Peter is traditionally associated with having the keys of heaven.

I would love to redo the rest of this someday, especially that gorgeous border. Whoever the original artist was back in 586 they obviously pored their heart and soul into a glorious work. A hidden treasure.