Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 50v

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Upper vignette:
Christ: confounding Soldiers -- Group of soldiers, wearing armor, recline on ground (only tops of heads of most visible), at feet of Christ, rays as nimbus, extending left hand. Above is chalice on rocky outcrop. Scene in landscape setting, within architectural frame.
Lower vignette:
Christ: Parable, Wise and Foolish Virgins -- Five foolish virgins, wearing hats, carry lamps. Above them is a devil, holding pedum (?) over left shoulder and raising right hand. Below is hell mouth. Scene in landscape setting.
Caption between vignettes reads, LES FOLLES VIERGES QUI PORTERERENT LEURS LAMPS CE DESSUS DESSOUBS LES IUIFS NOUS PREFIGURENT DAUA(N)T IESUS TREBUSEBA(N)T TOUS.
Margins decorated with floreate border, inhabited by fantastic animal, winged, wearing hat.
Viola in decorated initial L.