Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gradual
Italy, ca. 1260-1270
MS M.933 fol. 30v

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Innocents: Massacre commanded -- In upper register of initial E, of two soldiers holding small round shields (bucklers) with left hands, wearing knives at waists, one raises sword with right hand, the other wears sword at waist. Both stand and look toward Herod, crowned, indicating downward with right hand, holding scepter with left hand, seated on cushioned bench.
Innocents: Massacre -- In lower register of initial E, one of two soldiers wearing knives at waists, pierces, with sword in right hand, body of infant held by the feet in his left hand. The other soldier pierces, with sword in right hand, body of infant held in extended left hand. Woman, hands raised, kneels looking up at the second infant. Behind her, three other women stand in doorway, the foremost rending her garment, the second raising left hand to face. Bodies of five other infants, bleeding from wounds, and one severed head are in foreground. Tree is at left.