Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
England, ca. 1440-1450
MS G.9 fol. 67r

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Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Gregory the Great, nimbed and tonsured, with hands joined and raised, wearing vestments, kneels before draped altar on which are book with pseudo-inscription on lectern, chalice with purificator or corporal, and triple-crowned papal tiara. Behind altar, Christ, cross nimbed, wearing short loincloth, with wounds in side and hands visible, is held up by draped hands of angel, nimbed, above empty sarcophagus with lid. Scene within church with windows.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament,including pinks, columbine, and roses, inhabited by peacock, bird, possibly chaffinch, and monkey holding sack in raised left paw.