Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.625 fol. 60v

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Theodosius I: Scene, visiting Monk -- Within building, nimbed and tonsured monk, wearing monk’s habit, lies prostrate at feet of Theodosius I, wearing cap, lowering right hand to indicate the monk. At far left, draped altar on which is cross on base and suspended lamp. At right, nimbed and tonsured monk, wearing monk’s habits, beside Theodosius I, wearing cap, both raising right hands and seated before draped table spread with two loaves, cup and pitcher.
Outside the building, group of men (most with only heads visible), possibly including monk, wearing cap, at least two wearing swords tied to waists, one holding banner decorated with heraldry of Jerusalem (a cross potent or between crosslets the same), staff topped with fleur-de lis; busts of three bridled horses at far right.
Illustration of Rufinus of Aquileia, De Vitis Patrum, Chapter 19.