Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Golden legend
Belgium, Bruges, 1445-1465
MS M.672-5 III, fol. 352r

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Two scenes within miniature:
1) Simplicius and Faustinus of Rome: refusing to worship Idol -- Within architectural setting, man kneels beside column surmounted by idol. Simplicius of Rome and Faustinus of Rome, both nimbed, one with back turned, refuse to worship idol. Man, wearing hat, turns to idol. Soldier raises club to strike one saint.
2) Simplicius and Faustinus of Rome: Martyrdom -- Outside architectural setting, within landscape, two men, both wearing hats, one pointing to the other with left hand, look on as executioner beheads saints, both nimbed and blindfolded, with sword. One saint falls to ground, severed head beside body.