Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

The Crucifixion and St. Leonard
Germany, 1457
MS M.45 fol. 1v

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Miniature:
Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, cross nimbed, eyes closed, with crown of thorns, and wearing short loin cloth, is affixed with three nails to cross bearing titulus INRI. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, head bowed, hands joined at breast and by Evangelist John, nimbed, orant, wearing small bag on belt at waist. All are against background of gold stamped with oak leaves and acorns.
Floreate border containing leafy vine with flowers, squirrel and bullfinch, all within frame bearing inscription ASPICE MORTALIS FUIT UNQUAM PASSIO TALIS PECCATUM SPERNE PRO QUO MEA WLNERA CERNE ASPICE QUI TRANSIS QUIA TU MICHI CAUSA DOLORIS UT VIVAS MORIOR NON EST DILECCIO MAIOR ARTIFEX IOHANNES BEMLER 1457.
Corners:
1) In quatrefoil, bust of saint, possibly, Apostle Peter, nimbed, right hand at breast, holding open book in draped left hand, against gold background.
2) In medallion, against gold background, kneeling male figure, possibly symbol for Evangelist Matthew, holding scroll.
3) In quatrefoil, against gold background, bust of bishop or abbot, wearing miter, holding crozier in right hand and closed book in draped left hand.
4) In medallion, against gold background, winged lion (?) with scroll, possibly symbol for Evangelist Mark.