Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Golden legend
Belgium, Bruges, 1445-1465
MS M.672-5 I, fol. 58r

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Thomas ³l Becket: murdered before High Altar -- Two soldiers, wearing armor, carrying staffs, walk toward entrance of church. Within church, two men, one wearing soldier's helmet and carrying sword in scabbard, pierce Thomas ³l Becket in back with spears. Thomas, nimbed, wearing bishop's vestments, bleeding wound in skull, stands before draped high altar on which are open, inscribed book and chalice. Third man, beside altar, raises sword above head to strike Thomas.
Altar is adorned with side curtains and four columns surmounted by sculptures, including angel. Three candles surmount rail between front columns.