Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Leaf from the Laudario of the Compagnia di Sant’Agnese
Italy, Florence, ca. 1340
MS M.742r

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Christ: in Mandorla -- Christ, cross-nimbed, with right hand raised in blessing and holding open book, inscribed with alpha and omega, in his left hand, sits on arc within winged mandorla from which rays, enclosing objects (vases ?), emanate. The mandorla is surrounded by two nimbed cherubs, each holding book, and two angels playing psaltery and viol. Below the mandorla, cosmos is represented as hemisphere enclosing stars, personifications of the Sun and Moon, fish, seated woman, man with axe (?), birds, pig, sheep, deer (?), rabbit, and two buildings.
In margins, five medallions enclosing as follows from top to bottom, starting at top left:
1) Abraham: entertaining the Angels -- Abraham, nimbed, kneels before three nimbed wingless (?) angels.
Top right:
2) Trinity: Mercy Seat -- Holy Ghost, nimbed, descending on God, cross-nimbed, seated on throne, supporting Christ, cross-nimbed, head inclined, in long loin cloth, affixed with three nails to tau-cross. Throne flanked by two nimbed cherubs.
3) Lower left. Trinity: Three Persons -- Three figures, nimbed, sit at table. Chalice on table.
4) Lower center. Male donor wearing hat, kneeling with joined hands raised and turning head upward towards the Christ.
5) Lower right. Trinity: Three-Headed -- Heads of Christ, God, and Holy Ghost on single body, with open book in left hand, seated on throne, flanked by nimbed cherubs.
In lateral margins, two wingless angels, nimbed, one with left hand offering crown toward the Christ, and the other with right hand offering vase of flowers toward Him.
Margins decorated with foliate ornament, and inhabited by six birds.