Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
France, Tours, ca. 1500
M.495 fol. 86r

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, crossed (?) nimbus, with crown of thorns, wearing short loincloth is affixed with four nails to cross with titulus. Mary Magdalen, nimbed, wearing headdress kneels at foot of cross next to ointment jar, hands extended around the cross. At left Holy Woman, nimbed, wearing headdress cradles head of collapsed Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple; Evangelist John, nimbed, holds left hand of Mary. Behind them one of two Holy Women, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands, looks up toward Christ.
Christ is flanked by two thieves. At left, thief, head inclined, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from wounds, including wounds in legs, is affixed to tau cross with four nails; at right thief, head back, mouth open, hair streaming, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from wounds, including wounds in legs, is affixed to tau cross with four nails. In foreground, two soldiers, kneeling, one holding spear, the other cradling sword with left arm, throw three dice on purple garment. Other soldiers stand in background, some holding spears, one holding halberd, several wearing swords or scimitars at waist, three (?) astride horses. Two men wearing hats, astride horses are in background.
Scene in landscape with buildings on hills in distance.
Miniature within architectural frame with two panels below decorated foliate ornament flanking medallion enclosing cross on background decorated with vinescroll. Margin beyond frame painted black.