Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, ca. 1495
M.305 fol. 241r

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Initial:
Pentecost -- Within initial D, half-figure of Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, with joined hands, is flanked by Evangelist John and another apostle, both nimbed. All have flames atop heads.
Margins:
1) Medallion enclosing rays descending from dove of Holy Ghost, crossed nimbus.
2) Medallion enclosing bust of apostle, nimbed, flames atop head, orant.
3) Medallion, flanked by two putti, enclosing bust of apostle, nimbed, flames atop head, hands on breast.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament inhabited by mask; torch; camaïeu winged putti head.