The Martyrdom of Saint John the Evangelist (recto), and December Calendar (verso), from Book of Hours

Around 1488, engraver and printer Philippe Pigouchet and bookseller Simon Vostre embarked on a successful business partnership in Paris, and over the next 20 years they produced hundreds of exquisitely illustrated books. This leaf is taken from a book of hours, a Christian devotional publication containing psalms, prayers, and a calendar for worship and celebrations. It depicts the miracle of Saint John, when he emerged unharmed from a vat of boiling oil. The image is an illustration for themonth of December, the calendar on the sheet’s verso, reminding readers to celebrate Saint John’s Feast Day on December 27.