Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 55r

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Macarius of Alexandria: Scene, Monks receiving Palms and Monks rebuking Travelers -- At far left, altar on which is lit candle in candlestick and cross on base. In foreground, tonsured monk or priest, wearing cloak over habit, with left hand raising palm and with right hand extending palm to group of tonsured monks, the foremost kneeling, one wearing cap, some wearing monk’s habits or tonsured, all raising five palms (most with only heads visible).
At right, group of monks, wearing monk’s habits, at least four tonsured, one wearing hood and one wearing cap, huddled and in conversation with each other, all approached by three men, wearing hooded tunics (one with only head visible), and two wearing swords tied to waist, leading two of three bridled and saddled horses (partly visible). In foreground, rowboat in pool of water lined with plants.
Scenes in common landscape.
Illustration of Rufinus of Aquileia, Historia Monachorum in Aegypto, Chapter 29.