Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Tournai, ca. 1470
MS M.316 fol. 7v

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Crucifixion -- Christ, cross-nimbed, eyes closed, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to tau-cross, surmounted by titulus inscribed INRI.
At left, Evangelist John, nimbed, stands behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing veil, turned away from Christ; Longinus the Soldier with spear in right hand pierces Christ's side; and Mary Magdalen, nimbed, kneels at foot of cross, with right hand touching cross.
At right, Longinus of Jerusalem (Centurion), wearing armor, hat, and ermine mantle, raises right hand toward Him, in front of man, wearing hat, and soldier, wearing helmet, holding spear. Bones of skeleton scattered on ground.
Scene within landscape with trees, lake, rocks, and city, possibly representing Jerusalem, in background, within decorated frame.
Margins decorated with floreate border.