File:German - Leaf from Gospels - Walters W4178V - Reverse Detail.jpg

English: During the Carolingian period, the emulation of Roman classical models provided an opportunity to re-explore the naturalistic rendering of figures after a period of extreme schematization. The influence of ancient prototypes is particularly evident in the portrayals of the Evangelists, which were modeled on portraits of classical philosophers. In this gospel book made in Freising, Germany, around 875, the Evangelist John sits on a stool in an open landscape. In his left hand he holds the end of a long scroll on which he writes with his right hand. An inkpot rests on the desk in front of him, while an eagle, his symbol, holds in its talons another scroll inscribed with God's words. The choice of a scroll rather than a codex is a clear allusion to ancient philosophers, even though here the Evangelist writes across the width of a scroll as in a book and not down the length of the scroll as in Antiquity. But unlike the sober stance seen in Antique depictions of philosophers, here John is depicted in the frenzy of divine inspiration, his pen running rapidly across the surface of the scroll. The large, colorful brushstrokes with which the artist built this scene contribute to the effect of rapt energy. The interest in the decorative possibilities of line belies the naturalism of ancient prototypes, while the drapery folds have little relationship to the body underneath.