Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1515
MS M.399 fol.338v

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Ursula of Cologne: Massacre of Ursula and Virgins -- Soldier loads arrow in crossbow. Flanking him, two soldiers aim bow and arrow at Ursula, nimbed, crowned, glancing upward, and several virgins, many pierced by arrows and dead, within ship. Also within boat are Pope Cyricus, wearing triple crowned tiara, woman wearing headdress (Gerasina of Sicily?), and two men, one of whom falls over side of ship. All figures within ship are nimbed.
In background, on shore, men aim bows and arrows at two more ships carrying nimbed virgins.
In the distance are buildings of city within landscape.
Scene within illusionistic wood frame.